Gemology Hub / Gems Hub / Minerals Hub

Thursday, December 28, 2023

What are Native Elements?

Native elements are minerals that consist of a single element, existing in a pure form without any chemical bonds to other elements. These minerals serve a multitude of purposes, ranging from the creation of exquisite jewelry and decorative items like gold and silver, to their application in industrial settings, such as platinum in catalytic converters. Moreover, native elements hold great scientific and research value.


These minerals can be naturally found in a variety of geological environments, including igneous rocks, hydrothermal veins, and alluvial deposits. They often accompany specific mineral deposits, offering vital insights into the geological processes that led to their formation.


Some well-known examples of native elements  are 

  • Gold (Au)
  • Silver (Ag)
  • Copper (Cu)
  • Platinum (Pt)
  • Diamond (C)

summary 

Native elements are minerals that consist of a single element, existing in a pure form. They possess diverse applications and scientific significance, and can be discovered in various geological environments, often associated with specific

 mineral deposits.


Related Topics:



Wednesday, December 27, 2023

Sphene (Titanate), Physical, Optical Properties and uses

 

Sphene (Titanate)

Sphene, also known as titanite, is a calcium titanium nesosilicate mineral with the chemical formula CaTiSiO5. It was first discovered in 1795 by a German geologist, Abraham Gottlob Werner. Sphene is a rare mineral that is prized for its unique properties and is often used in jewelry-making.

Physical Properties

  • Color: yellow, brown, green, black
  • Crystal System: monoclinic
  • Hardness: 5-5.5
  • Luster: adamantine, greasy, resinous
  • Streak: white
  • Specific Gravity: 3.4-3.6
  • Cleavage: perfect in one direction, imperfect in another
  • Fracture: conchoidal, brittle
  • Tenacity: brittle

Optical Properties

  • Refractive Index: 1.885-1.990
  • Birefringence: 0.105-0.135
  • Dispersion: 0.051
  • Pleochroism: weak

Occurrence

Sphene is found in a number of countries, including:

  • Brazil
  • Canada
  • India
  • Madagascar
  • Norway
  • Russia
  • Switzerland
  • United States
  • Pakistan 

Healing Properties

Sphene is said to have a number of healing properties, including:

  • Helping to alleviate stress and anxiety
  • Encouraging mental clarity and focus
  • Boosting the immune system
  • Assisting with digestion
  • Relieving headaches and migraines

Uses

Sphene is used in a number of applications, including:

  • Jewelry-making
  • As a source of titanium dioxide in the manufacture of paint, plastic, and paper
  • As a gemstone

Uvarovite Garnet

 

Uvarovite Garnet


Chemical Formula

The chemical formula of Uvarovite Garnet is Ca3Cr2(SiO4)3.

Discovery

Uvarovite Garnet was first discovered in 1832 by Germain Henri Hess, a Swiss chemist.

Physical Properties

  • Color: Emerald-green
  • Luster: Vitreous
  • Hardness: 6.5-7.5
  • Specific Gravity: 3.77-3.88
  • Cleavage: None
  • Fracture: Conchoidal

Optical Properties

  • Refractive Index: 1.87-1.98
  • Birefringence: None
  • Dispersion: 0.027
  • Pleochroism: Weak

Occurrence by Country

CountryMajor Deposits
RussiaSaranovskii Mine, Ural Mountains
FinlandOutokumpu, eastern Finland
TurkeyArtvin Province, northeastern Turkey
CanadaOutokumpu, Quebec
South AfricaEastern Bushveld Complex, Limpopo Province

Healing Properties

Uvarovite Garnet is believed to have several healing properties including:

  • Strengthening the immune system
  • Reducing inflammation
  • Regulating blood pressure
  • Boosting fertility and reproductive health
  • Stimulating metabolism

Uses

Uvarovite Garnet is mainly used as a gemstone due to its bright green color and high refractive index. It is also used in the manufacture of abrasives and polishing compounds.

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Zoisite☝

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Anglesite Mineral information's

 

Anglesite

Anglesite is a lead sulfate mineral with the chemical formula PbSO4. It is found in oxidized lead ore deposits and forms in masses or tabular crystals. It was first described in 1832 and was named after the type locality, the village of Anglezarke in Lancashire, England.

Chemical Formula

The chemical formula of Anglesite is PbSO4.

Discovery

Anglesite was first described in 1832 by William Hallowes Miller, a British mineralogist. The mineral was discovered in the village of Anglezarke in Lancashire, England, which is also the origin of its name.

Physical Properties

  • Color: Colorless, white, gray, yellow, green, brown
  • Luster: Adamantine, vitreous, resinous
  • Transparency: Transparent to translucent
  • Crystal System: Orthorhombic
  • Cleavage: Good in one direction
  • Fracture: Conchoidal to uneven
  • Hardness: 2.5 - 3
  • Specific Gravity: 6.3 - 6.4

Optical Properties

  • Refractive Index: 1.815 - 1.888
  • Birefringence: 0.073 - 0.080
  • Pleochroism: Weak to moderate

Occurrence by Country

Anglesite is a relatively common mineral and is found in many countries around the world. Some of the countries where it has been found include:

  • Australia
  • Canada
  • China
  • France
  • Germany
  • Mexico
  • Namibia
  • Spain
  • United Kingdom
  • United States

Healing Properties

Anglesite is said to have many healing properties, including:

  • Helping to improve communication skills
  • Relieving stress and anxiety
  • Enhancing intuition and spiritual awareness
  • Providing emotional stability and balance

Uses

  • As a source of lead
  • In the manufacture of lead-acid batteries
  • As a gemstone
  • In the production of white pigment for paints, ceramics, and plastics
  • In the production of radiation shielding

Cassiterite mineral information's and uses

 

Cassiterite

Discovery

Cassiterite was discovered in 1803 by William Gregor.

Physical Properties

  • Color: Dark brown, black, yellow, red, white, or gray
  • Crystal System: Tetragonal
  • Cleavage: Poor in one direction
  • Fracture: Conchoidal to uneven
  • Hardness: 6-7 on the Mohs scale
  • Luster: Adamantine to submetallic
  • Streak: White, gray, or brown
  • Tenacity: Brittle

Optical Properties

  • Refractive Index: 1.997-2.099
  • Birefringence: 0.060-0.095
  • Dispersion: 0.071
  • Pleochroism: Weak

Occurrence by Country

Cassiterite is found in the following countries:

  • China
  • Indonesia
  • Bolivia
  • Peru
  • Rwanda
  • Nigeria
  • Malaysia
  • Thailand
  • Democratic Republic of the Congo
  • Zimbabwe
  • United Kingdom

Healing Properties

Cassiterite is believed to have the following healing properties:

  • Calming energy
  • Enhances intuition
  • Helps with decision-making
  • Helps with problem-solving
  • Helps with manifestation

Uses

Cassiterite is used for the following:

  • As an ore of tin
  • In the production of tinplate
  • In the manufacture of surgical instruments and other metallic objects
  • As a gemstone

Cuprite Details

 

Cuprite

Cuprite is a mineral composed of copper oxide with the chemical formula Cu2O. It is a primary ore of copper and is usually found in oxidized copper ore veins. Below are some physical and optical properties, occurrence by country, healing properties, and uses of cuprite:

Discovery

Cuprite was first described in 1845 from the Ural Mountains, Russia.

Physical Properties

  • Color: Red to dark red, sometimes with a blackish tint
  • Crystal System: Isometric
  • Cleavage: None
  • Fracture: Conchoidal
  • Hardness: 3.5-4
  • Specific Gravity: 5.85-6.15
  • Luster: Adamantine to sub-metallic

Optical Properties

  • Refractive Index: 2.849-3.410
  • Birefringence: None
  • Pleochroism: None
  • Dispersion: 0.080

Occurrence by Country

  • Chile
  • Peru
  • USA
  • Mexico
  • Zambia
  • Russia
  • Australia
  • Namibia
  • South Africa

Healing Properties

Cuprite is believed to have the following healing properties:

  • Boosts creativity
  • Encourages positive thinking
  • Enhances intuition
  • Stimulates the imagination
  • Increases self-awareness
  • Boosts energy levels
  • Helps with meditation

Uses

Cuprite is used for the following purposes:

  • As a primary ore of copper
  • As a gemstone
  • In crystal healing
  • In jewelry making
  • In lapidary work

Wulfenite Details

 

Wulfenite Information

Discovery

Wulfenite was first discovered in 1845 by Wilhelm Karl von Haidinger in the Schwaz district of Tyrol, Austria. It was named after Austrian mineralogist Franz Xavier von Wulfen, who studied minerals in the region.

Physical Properties

  • Color: yellow, orange, red, gray, greenish-yellow
  • Crystal System: Tetragonal
  • Hardness: 2.5-3
  • Specific Gravity: 6.5-7.5
  • Cleavage/Fracture: None
  • Streak: White to pale yellow
  • Luster: Resinous to adamantine

Optical Properties

  • Refractive Index: 2.31-2.42
  • Birefringence: 0.110
  • Pleochroism: Weak

Occurrence by Country

Wulfenite can be found in many countries around the world, including:

  • United States
  • Mexico
  • Austria
  • Spain
  • Morocco
  • China

Healing Properties

Wulfenite is believed to have many healing properties, including:

  • Boosting energy levels
  • Enhancing creativity
  • Improving focus and concentration
  • Stimulating metabolism

Uses

Wulfenite has several uses, including:

  • As a source of lead and molybdenum
  • As a gemstone
  • As a pigment in paints and dyes