Gemology Hub / Gems Hub / Minerals Hub

Wednesday, December 27, 2023

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

No comments: