Pollucite in history , its varieties, origin, physical properties, optical properties, elementary analysis, the most expensive piece selling record, uses as fashion and industries
History
Pollucite was discovered in 1846 by a German mineralogist named Gustav Rose. The mineral was named after the Greek word "pollux," which means "very sweet," due to its sweet taste. Pollucite was first found in a pegmatite deposit in Elba Island, Italy, and has since been found in other locations around the world.
Ranking
Pollucite is a rare mineral. It is not commonly found in large quantities and is therefore considered a valuable mineral.
Varieties
Pollucite is a member of the zeolite group of minerals. Other members of the zeolite group include:
- Analcime
- Chabazite
- Clinoptilolite
- Heulandite
- Laumontite
- Natrolite
- Stilbite
Origin
Pollucite is found in pegmatites, which are coarse-grained igneous rocks that contain large crystals. It is commonly found in association with other lithium-bearing minerals, such as spodumene, lepidolite, and amblygonite. Some of the major sources of pollucite include Afghanistan, Canada, Madagascar, and Zimbabwe.
Physical Properties
- Hardness: 6 - 6.5 on the Mohs scale
- Density: 2.9 - 3.0 g/cm³
- Cleavage: Perfect in one direction
- Fracture: Conchoidal to uneven
- Streak: White
- Luster: Vitreous to greasy
- Transparency: Transparent to translucent
- Crystal System: Isometric
Optical Properties
- Refractive Index: Single refractive 1.502 or1.506
- Birefringence: None
- Pleochroism: None
Elementary Analysis
Pollucite is a sodium cesium aluminosilicate mineral with the chemical formula (Na,Cs)2Al2Si4O12•2H2O. It typically contains between 8% and 40% cesium, which makes it an important source of this rare metal.
Most Expensive Piece Selling Record
There is no record of the most expensive pollucite ever sold.
Uses
Pollucite is used for various purposes, including:
- Fashion jewelry
- Industrial applications, such as in the production of radiation detectors and nuclear reactor control rods
- Metaphysical healing and spiritual practices
No comments:
Post a Comment