Gahnospinel Details

 

Gahnospinel Information (Spinel Group)

Gahnospinel is a rare mineral with the chemical formula (Mg,Fe2+)2Al3O4. Here's everything you need to know about it:

Discovery

Gahnospinel was first discovered in 1892 in the Skellefteå mining district of Sweden. It was named after the Swedish chemist Axel Gahn and its mineral group, spinel.

Physical Properties

• Color: usually black, but can also be brown, red, or green
• Hardness: 7.5 on the Mohs scale
• Density: 3.5-4.1 g/cm3
• Crystal System: cubic

Optical Properties

• Refractive Index: 1.720-1.780
• Birefringence: none
• Pleochroism: none

Ranking of Rarity

Gahnospinel is considered a rare mineral.

Occurrence (countries)

Gahnospinel has been found in several countries around the world, including:

• Sweden
• Russia
• South Africa
• Afghanistan
• Madagascar

Healing Properties

There is no scientific evidence to support any healing properties of gahnospinel.

Uses

Gahnospinel is primarily used as a collector's gemstone and as a source of zinc and tin. It is also used in scientific research due to its unique chemical and physical properties.