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Did you know that? Part II
- Thread starter Visalakshi Ramani
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Dear Sis,
Hope you remember the reason for not clicking the like button!
Already, I have written more than once. :typing: . .
Strange you never OBJECT to receiving it on the same logical ground!
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#94. Rose quartz
Rose quartz is a type of quartz which exists in shades varying from a pale pink to rose red hue. The color is due to traces of impurities such as titanium, iron or manganese present in the Crystal. Some types of quartz contain microscopic needles that produce a stunning optical phenomenon called asterism.
An asterism is displayed by a gemstone in the shape of a “star” on its surface when it has been cut into a cabochon.
The Star-effect is caused by the dense inclusions of tiny fibers of rutile (also known as “silk”). The stars are caused by the light reflected by the needle-like inclusions of rutile. However, since rutile is always present in star gemstones, they are almost never completely transparent.
A distinction can be made between two types of asterism namely Epiasterism and Diasterism. Epiasterism, such as that seen in sapphire and most other gems, is the result of a reflection of light on parallel inclusions inside the gemstone.
Diasterism, such as that seen in rose quartz is the result of light transmitted through the stone. In order to see this effect, the stone must be illuminated from behind.
The color in Rose quartz crystals is photosensitive and hence subjected to fading. The first rose quartz crystals were found in Rumford, Maine, USA. The crystals in the market come from Minas Gerais, Brazil.
Rose quartz is a type of quartz which exists in shades varying from a pale pink to rose red hue. The color is due to traces of impurities such as titanium, iron or manganese present in the Crystal. Some types of quartz contain microscopic needles that produce a stunning optical phenomenon called asterism.
An asterism is displayed by a gemstone in the shape of a “star” on its surface when it has been cut into a cabochon.
The Star-effect is caused by the dense inclusions of tiny fibers of rutile (also known as “silk”). The stars are caused by the light reflected by the needle-like inclusions of rutile. However, since rutile is always present in star gemstones, they are almost never completely transparent.
A distinction can be made between two types of asterism namely Epiasterism and Diasterism. Epiasterism, such as that seen in sapphire and most other gems, is the result of a reflection of light on parallel inclusions inside the gemstone.
Diasterism, such as that seen in rose quartz is the result of light transmitted through the stone. In order to see this effect, the stone must be illuminated from behind.
The color in Rose quartz crystals is photosensitive and hence subjected to fading. The first rose quartz crystals were found in Rumford, Maine, USA. The crystals in the market come from Minas Gerais, Brazil.
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#95. Ruby
A ruby is a pink to blood-red colored gemstone. It is a variety of mineral corundum or aluminum oxide.
Presence of the element Chromium causes the red color. Its name comes from ‘ruber’- the Latin word for red. Other varieties of gem-quality corundum are generally called as sapphires.
The ruby is considered one of the four most precious stones along with sapphires, emeralds and diamonds.
Prices of rubies are primarily determined by color. The brightest and most valuable “red” called pigeon blood-red, commands a huge premium over other rubies of similar quality.
After color follows clarity: similar to diamonds, a clear stone will command a premium, but a ruby without any needle-like rutile inclusions may indicate that the stone has been treated.
The Color, the Clarity, the Cut and the Carat weight determine the price of a gem stone.
A ruby is a pink to blood-red colored gemstone. It is a variety of mineral corundum or aluminum oxide.
Presence of the element Chromium causes the red color. Its name comes from ‘ruber’- the Latin word for red. Other varieties of gem-quality corundum are generally called as sapphires.
The ruby is considered one of the four most precious stones along with sapphires, emeralds and diamonds.
Prices of rubies are primarily determined by color. The brightest and most valuable “red” called pigeon blood-red, commands a huge premium over other rubies of similar quality.
After color follows clarity: similar to diamonds, a clear stone will command a premium, but a ruby without any needle-like rutile inclusions may indicate that the stone has been treated.
The Color, the Clarity, the Cut and the Carat weight determine the price of a gem stone.
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#96. Ruby Zoisite
Zoisite, is a calcium aluminium hydroxy sorosilicate belonging to the epidote group of minerals. At first zoisite was known as saualpite, named after its locality.
Zoisite occurs in metamorphic and pegmatitic rocks in the form of prismatic orthorhombic crystals. It streaks white and is brittle.
Zoisite may be blue to violet, green, brown, pink, yellow, gray or even colorless. It has a vitreous luster. It is conchoidal to uneven fracture.
Its hardness is greater than 6 in Moh’s scale of hardness. Transparent material is cut into gemstones and the translucent-to-opaque material is used for carving.
Anyolite consists of green zoisite with red ruby crystals. These rubies are not of gem quality, but they provide a lovely contrast to the green zoisite – enhancing the beauty of the decorative pieces carved from the rock.
The mineral was named it after the naturalist Sigmund Zois. Sources of zoisite include Tanzania, Kenya, Norway, Switzerland, Austria, India, Pakistan and Washington of USA.
Zoisite, is a calcium aluminium hydroxy sorosilicate belonging to the epidote group of minerals. At first zoisite was known as saualpite, named after its locality.
Zoisite occurs in metamorphic and pegmatitic rocks in the form of prismatic orthorhombic crystals. It streaks white and is brittle.
Zoisite may be blue to violet, green, brown, pink, yellow, gray or even colorless. It has a vitreous luster. It is conchoidal to uneven fracture.
Its hardness is greater than 6 in Moh’s scale of hardness. Transparent material is cut into gemstones and the translucent-to-opaque material is used for carving.
Anyolite consists of green zoisite with red ruby crystals. These rubies are not of gem quality, but they provide a lovely contrast to the green zoisite – enhancing the beauty of the decorative pieces carved from the rock.
The mineral was named it after the naturalist Sigmund Zois. Sources of zoisite include Tanzania, Kenya, Norway, Switzerland, Austria, India, Pakistan and Washington of USA.
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#97. Rutile topaz
Rutile topaz is topaz streaked with yellow-brown fine lines resembling needles. These lines are not made of rutile. They are hollow tubes stained with limonite – a mixture of hydrated yellow-brown iron oxides.
The word “topaz” probably comes from the word “Topazos” which is an island – now called Zabargad – in the Red Sea. In ancient times all golden-brown and green gemstones were referred to as topaz.
Today topaz is often called “precious topaz.” Modern-day topaz deposits are located in many parts of the world the most important being Brazil.
Topaz gemstones come in a variety of colors, such as blue, brown, green, orange, pink, red and clear. Yellow with a reddish tint is the most common color but blue is probably the most popular.
The color depends on the amount of iron and chromium present in the gemstone. Topaz may show pleochroism and appear in different colors depending on the angle viewed.
Topaz is usually transparent or translucent with a vitreous glassy luster. It rates an 8 on Moh’s scale of hardness. It is brittle and can be damaged with hard knocks. Extremely large sizes of topaz have been found in deposits. The largest cut yellow topaz in the world weighs in at 22,892.50 carats.
Ancient people believed in the healing and magical powers of topaz. Egyptians thought their Sun God Ra colored the stone with a golden glow and kept the wearer of the topaz amulet safe.
Greeks thought wearers of topaz had increased strength. Others thought topaz could cure asthma, insomnia and other ailments.
Rutile topaz is topaz streaked with yellow-brown fine lines resembling needles. These lines are not made of rutile. They are hollow tubes stained with limonite – a mixture of hydrated yellow-brown iron oxides.
The word “topaz” probably comes from the word “Topazos” which is an island – now called Zabargad – in the Red Sea. In ancient times all golden-brown and green gemstones were referred to as topaz.
Today topaz is often called “precious topaz.” Modern-day topaz deposits are located in many parts of the world the most important being Brazil.
Topaz gemstones come in a variety of colors, such as blue, brown, green, orange, pink, red and clear. Yellow with a reddish tint is the most common color but blue is probably the most popular.
The color depends on the amount of iron and chromium present in the gemstone. Topaz may show pleochroism and appear in different colors depending on the angle viewed.
Topaz is usually transparent or translucent with a vitreous glassy luster. It rates an 8 on Moh’s scale of hardness. It is brittle and can be damaged with hard knocks. Extremely large sizes of topaz have been found in deposits. The largest cut yellow topaz in the world weighs in at 22,892.50 carats.
Ancient people believed in the healing and magical powers of topaz. Egyptians thought their Sun God Ra colored the stone with a golden glow and kept the wearer of the topaz amulet safe.
Greeks thought wearers of topaz had increased strength. Others thought topaz could cure asthma, insomnia and other ailments.
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#98. Sapphire
Sapphire is a variety of the mineral corundum, an Aluminum Oxide – when it is of a color other than red or dark pink. The red sapphire is called a ruby and is considered to be a different gemstone.
Trace amounts of other elements such as iron/ titanium/chromium can give corundum blue, yellow, pink, purple, orange, or greenish color.
Pink-orange sapphires are also called padmaraga. Pure chromium is the distinct impurity of rubies. However, a combination of chromium and titanium can give a sapphire a color distinct from red.
It is the hardest substance known, second only to diamond. Normally sapphires are blue in color. But purple, green, pink, white, gold and orange sapphires have been found.
It is supposed to possess the mystical qualities of purifying one’s mind and promoting peace of mind. The stone is formed from a variety of aluminum oxide corundum.
Sri Lanka is a notable source of all colors of sapphires.
Sapphire is a variety of the mineral corundum, an Aluminum Oxide – when it is of a color other than red or dark pink. The red sapphire is called a ruby and is considered to be a different gemstone.
Trace amounts of other elements such as iron/ titanium/chromium can give corundum blue, yellow, pink, purple, orange, or greenish color.
Pink-orange sapphires are also called padmaraga. Pure chromium is the distinct impurity of rubies. However, a combination of chromium and titanium can give a sapphire a color distinct from red.
It is the hardest substance known, second only to diamond. Normally sapphires are blue in color. But purple, green, pink, white, gold and orange sapphires have been found.
It is supposed to possess the mystical qualities of purifying one’s mind and promoting peace of mind. The stone is formed from a variety of aluminum oxide corundum.
Sri Lanka is a notable source of all colors of sapphires.
Naina_Marbus
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These water lilies have very large green leaves that spread flat on the water's surface. The one shown in the video is called Victoria amazonica which has a leaf that is nearly 10’ in diameter, on a stalk about 25 ft in length. The genus name was given in honour of Queen Victoria.
Victoria amazonica is native to the shallow waters of the Amazon River basin.. The flowers are white on the first night they bloom and become pink the second night. They are up to 40 cm in diameter, and are pollinated by scarab beetles. The first published description of the genus was made by one John Lindley in 1837, who named the genus after the new Queen, Victoria, and the species Victoria regia.
Time-lapse video of a giant water-lily blooming!
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Thank you dear prof N_M for this captivating video! WOW!!! :clap2:
It captivated me and the giant (1 foot in diameter) water lily flower captivated the beetle in its beautiful prison for 24 hours to load it with its own golden pollen.
Nature is wonderful, though the spiked 10 to 6 feet across leaves look like armed military tanks when they open up and put up their edge - ready to fight any competitors.
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#99. Seraphinite
Seraphinite is the trade name for a particular form of clinochlore – a member of the Chlorite group. The word Clinochlore is derived from the two Greek words “klino” meaning “oblique” and “chloros” meaning “green”.
Seraphinite varies from deep green to green-black to grey with inclusions of silvery Mica in it. The Mica inclusions exhibit a chatoyancy. It has its hardness between 2 and 4 on Moh’s scale of mineral hardness.
Seraphinite resembles feathers similar to those seen on a bird’s wing right from the short feathery growths to the longer wing feathers.
The feathery wing patterns made by the silvery Mica inclusions within the stone remind one of the winged angels. Seraphinite, is derived from the Latin word “seraphin” which refers to the first order of angels.
Seraphinite is mined in a limited area of eastern Siberia in Russia. Nikolay Koksharov a Russian mineralogist is often credited with its discovery.
Seraphinite is the trade name for a particular form of clinochlore – a member of the Chlorite group. The word Clinochlore is derived from the two Greek words “klino” meaning “oblique” and “chloros” meaning “green”.
Seraphinite varies from deep green to green-black to grey with inclusions of silvery Mica in it. The Mica inclusions exhibit a chatoyancy. It has its hardness between 2 and 4 on Moh’s scale of mineral hardness.
Seraphinite resembles feathers similar to those seen on a bird’s wing right from the short feathery growths to the longer wing feathers.
The feathery wing patterns made by the silvery Mica inclusions within the stone remind one of the winged angels. Seraphinite, is derived from the Latin word “seraphin” which refers to the first order of angels.
Seraphinite is mined in a limited area of eastern Siberia in Russia. Nikolay Koksharov a Russian mineralogist is often credited with its discovery.
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#100. Sillimanite cat’s eye
Sillimanite cat’s eye is a gemstone fibrous in nature, producing a chatoyant effect which resembles the winking of a cat’s eye. A changeable luster is displayed as a moving band of narrow white light.
An aluminum silicate in chemical composition, sillimanite is often mined in places containing metamorphic minerals. In the past, deposits were mined in Burma, Kenya, Sri Lanka, and the United States.
Until recently sillimanite cat’s eye was a rare collector’s item. Fresh sillimanite deposits have been found in India and the gemstone became more available to the general public.
Sillimanite exists in various shades, including blue, brown, gray, green, white and colorless. When displaying chatoyancy, the stone may be violet-brown. This translucent gemstone has a vitreous pearly luster.
Sillimanite is also known as fibrolite. With a hardness of 6.5 to 7.5 on the Moh’s scale, it is hard, brittle and can crack. Jewelers fashion it into bracelets, brooches, earrings, necklaces, and rings.
Sillimanite can be cut into facets, beads, or cabochons. Facets are small plane surfaces, while a cabochon cut has a highly polished, rounded, convex form.
The mineral sillimanite is named after its discoverer, American Benjamin Silliman (1779-1864).
Sillimanite is believed to give the wearer increased energy and self-confidence. It aids in the production of endorphins and heals ailments related to the throat and heart.
Sillimanite cat’s eye is a gemstone fibrous in nature, producing a chatoyant effect which resembles the winking of a cat’s eye. A changeable luster is displayed as a moving band of narrow white light.
An aluminum silicate in chemical composition, sillimanite is often mined in places containing metamorphic minerals. In the past, deposits were mined in Burma, Kenya, Sri Lanka, and the United States.
Until recently sillimanite cat’s eye was a rare collector’s item. Fresh sillimanite deposits have been found in India and the gemstone became more available to the general public.
Sillimanite exists in various shades, including blue, brown, gray, green, white and colorless. When displaying chatoyancy, the stone may be violet-brown. This translucent gemstone has a vitreous pearly luster.
Sillimanite is also known as fibrolite. With a hardness of 6.5 to 7.5 on the Moh’s scale, it is hard, brittle and can crack. Jewelers fashion it into bracelets, brooches, earrings, necklaces, and rings.
Sillimanite can be cut into facets, beads, or cabochons. Facets are small plane surfaces, while a cabochon cut has a highly polished, rounded, convex form.
The mineral sillimanite is named after its discoverer, American Benjamin Silliman (1779-1864).
Sillimanite is believed to give the wearer increased energy and self-confidence. It aids in the production of endorphins and heals ailments related to the throat and heart.
Naina_Marbus
Active member
[FONT="]More than half of the world's population lives inside this circle
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Oh! woe is me!!!
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#101. Smithsonite
Smithsonite, or zinc spar (zinc carbonate) is a mineral ore of zinc. Smithsonite was identified with hemimorphite before it became clear that they were two distinct minerals.
The term Calamine has been used for both, since these two minerals are very similar in appearance. The mineral smithsonite was named in 1832 after James Smithson who first identified the mineral in 1802.
Smithsonite is a variably colored mineral rarely is found in well formed crystals. It is brittle and can have a pearly or silky luster. It is translucent or opaque. It can exist in blue, yellow, green, yellow green, orange yellow, pink, purple, grey, brown colors or be colorless.
It has a hardness of 4.5 in Moh’s scale of mineral hardness. Smithsonite occurs as a secondary mineral in the zinc-bearing ore deposits.
Smithsonite, or zinc spar (zinc carbonate) is a mineral ore of zinc. Smithsonite was identified with hemimorphite before it became clear that they were two distinct minerals.
The term Calamine has been used for both, since these two minerals are very similar in appearance. The mineral smithsonite was named in 1832 after James Smithson who first identified the mineral in 1802.
Smithsonite is a variably colored mineral rarely is found in well formed crystals. It is brittle and can have a pearly or silky luster. It is translucent or opaque. It can exist in blue, yellow, green, yellow green, orange yellow, pink, purple, grey, brown colors or be colorless.
It has a hardness of 4.5 in Moh’s scale of mineral hardness. Smithsonite occurs as a secondary mineral in the zinc-bearing ore deposits.
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#102. Smoky Quartz
Smoky or smokey quartz is a brown to black variety of quartz. Like the other quartz gems, it is a crystal of silicon dioxide. The smoky color results from free silicon, formed from the silicon dioxide by natural irradiation.
A very dark brown to black opaque variety is known as morion. Morion is the German, Danish, Spanish and Polish synonym for smoky quartz.
Cairngorm is a variety of smoky quartz crystal found in the Cairngorm Mountains of Scotland. It is smokey yellow-brown color, though some specimens are a grey-brown.
It is used in Scottish jewelry and as a decoration on kilt pins. The largest known cairngorm crystal is a 52 pound specimen.
Smoky or smokey quartz is a brown to black variety of quartz. Like the other quartz gems, it is a crystal of silicon dioxide. The smoky color results from free silicon, formed from the silicon dioxide by natural irradiation.
A very dark brown to black opaque variety is known as morion. Morion is the German, Danish, Spanish and Polish synonym for smoky quartz.
Cairngorm is a variety of smoky quartz crystal found in the Cairngorm Mountains of Scotland. It is smokey yellow-brown color, though some specimens are a grey-brown.
It is used in Scottish jewelry and as a decoration on kilt pins. The largest known cairngorm crystal is a 52 pound specimen.
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#103. Sodalite
Sodalite is a rich royal blue ornamental gemstone. Although massive sodalite samples are opaque, crystals are usually transparent to translucent. Sodalite is a member of the sodalite group.
Though discovered in 1811 in Greenland, sodalite did not become an important gemstone until 1891 – when vast deposits of fine material were discovered in Ontario, Canada.
A light, hard and fragile mineral, sodalite is named after its sodium content. Though famous for its blue color, sodalite may also be grey, yellow, green, or pink and is often mottled with white veins or patches. The uniform blue material is used in jewels as cabochons and beads. Less finer material is used as facing or inlay.
Sodalite rarely contains pyrite – a common inclusion in lapis lazuli. Its blue color is more if a royal blue than ultramarine. It is further distinguished from similar minerals by its white streak.
Sodalite was first described in 1811 for the occurrence in West Greenland. Occurring typically in massive form, sodalite is found as vein fillings in plutonic igneous rocks. Ontario, Quebec, Maine and Arkansas contain significant deposits. Brazil, Bolivia, Portugal, Romania, Burma and Russia contain smaller deposits.
Sodalite is a rich royal blue ornamental gemstone. Although massive sodalite samples are opaque, crystals are usually transparent to translucent. Sodalite is a member of the sodalite group.
Though discovered in 1811 in Greenland, sodalite did not become an important gemstone until 1891 – when vast deposits of fine material were discovered in Ontario, Canada.
A light, hard and fragile mineral, sodalite is named after its sodium content. Though famous for its blue color, sodalite may also be grey, yellow, green, or pink and is often mottled with white veins or patches. The uniform blue material is used in jewels as cabochons and beads. Less finer material is used as facing or inlay.
Sodalite rarely contains pyrite – a common inclusion in lapis lazuli. Its blue color is more if a royal blue than ultramarine. It is further distinguished from similar minerals by its white streak.
Sodalite was first described in 1811 for the occurrence in West Greenland. Occurring typically in massive form, sodalite is found as vein fillings in plutonic igneous rocks. Ontario, Quebec, Maine and Arkansas contain significant deposits. Brazil, Bolivia, Portugal, Romania, Burma and Russia contain smaller deposits.
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#104. Spodumene
Spodumene is a is a source of lithium. It occurs as Kunzite from colorless to yellowish, purplish or lilac. Hiddenite is yellowish-green or emerald-green prismatic crystals, often of great size. From Black Hills of South Dakota, USA, single crystals 47 ft in size have been reported.
Crystals are typically heavily striated parallel to the principal axis. Crystal faces are often etched and pitted with triangular markings. Spodumene was first described in 1800 for an occurrence in Sweden.
The name is derived from the Greek word spodumenos meaning “burnt to ashes.” This refers to the opaque, ash-grey appearance of material refined for use in industry.
Spodumene occurs in lithium-rich granite pegmatites and aplites. Quartz and beryl are two of the other associated minerals.
Transparent material has long been used in jewelery with varieties kunzite and hiddenite noted for their strong pleochroism. An optical phenomenon in which a substance appears to be different colors when observed at different angles, especially with polarized light is known as pleochroism.
Afghanistan, Australia, Brazil, Madagascar, Pakistan, Quebec, North Carolina and California are sources if spodumene.
Spodumene is a is a source of lithium. It occurs as Kunzite from colorless to yellowish, purplish or lilac. Hiddenite is yellowish-green or emerald-green prismatic crystals, often of great size. From Black Hills of South Dakota, USA, single crystals 47 ft in size have been reported.
Crystals are typically heavily striated parallel to the principal axis. Crystal faces are often etched and pitted with triangular markings. Spodumene was first described in 1800 for an occurrence in Sweden.
The name is derived from the Greek word spodumenos meaning “burnt to ashes.” This refers to the opaque, ash-grey appearance of material refined for use in industry.
Spodumene occurs in lithium-rich granite pegmatites and aplites. Quartz and beryl are two of the other associated minerals.
Transparent material has long been used in jewelery with varieties kunzite and hiddenite noted for their strong pleochroism. An optical phenomenon in which a substance appears to be different colors when observed at different angles, especially with polarized light is known as pleochroism.
Afghanistan, Australia, Brazil, Madagascar, Pakistan, Quebec, North Carolina and California are sources if spodumene.
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#105. Spessartine
Spessartine or spessartite, is a nesosilicate of the manganese aluminum garnet species. The name is derived from Spessart the name of the locality of the mineral.
It occurs most often in granite pegmatite and allied rock types and also in certain low grade metamorphic phyllites. Australia, Myanmar, India, Afghanistan, Israel, Madagascar, Tanzania and USA are important sources.
Mandarin garnet and is an orange-yellow Spessartine found in Madagascar. The orange garnets result from sodium rich pegmatites. Rhyolites are Violet-red spessartines found in Colorado and Maine.
Spessartine forms a solid solution series with garnet species alamandine. Well formed crystals from this series, varying in color from very dark-red to bright yellow-orange were found in Bulgaria.
Spessartine or spessartite, is a nesosilicate of the manganese aluminum garnet species. The name is derived from Spessart the name of the locality of the mineral.
It occurs most often in granite pegmatite and allied rock types and also in certain low grade metamorphic phyllites. Australia, Myanmar, India, Afghanistan, Israel, Madagascar, Tanzania and USA are important sources.
Mandarin garnet and is an orange-yellow Spessartine found in Madagascar. The orange garnets result from sodium rich pegmatites. Rhyolites are Violet-red spessartines found in Colorado and Maine.
Spessartine forms a solid solution series with garnet species alamandine. Well formed crystals from this series, varying in color from very dark-red to bright yellow-orange were found in Bulgaria.
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#106. Sphalerite
Sphalerite is a mineral which is the chief ore of zinc. It consists largely of zinc sulphide in crystalline form and variable amounts of iron. When iron content is high it forms an opaque black variety called marmatite.
Sphalerite is usually found in association with galena, pyrite, and other sulfides along with calcite, dolomite and fluorite. Miners refer to sphalerite as zinc blende and black-jack.
Its color is usually yellow, brown, or gray to gray-black. It may be shiny or dull. Its luster varies from resinous to sub-metallic for high iron varieties. It has a yellow or light brown streak. It measures 3.9 to 4.1 in Moh’s scale of mineral hardness.
Ruby Sphalerite has a red iridescence within the gray-black crystals. The pale yellow and red varieties have very little iron and are translucent. The darker and more opaque varieties contain more iron. Some specimens are fluorescent in UV rays.
An almost pure Zinc Sulfide variety known as cleiophane, is highly fluorescent under long wave ultraviolet light .
Crystals of suitable size and transparency are fashioned into gemstones. Their brilliant cut displays sphalerite’s high dispersion – over three times that of diamond. Freshly cut gems have an adamantine luster.
Owing to the softness and fragility the gems become collector’s items and museum pieces. Some have been set into pendants. Gem-quality material is usually a yellowish to honey brown, red to orange, or green.
Sphalerite is a mineral which is the chief ore of zinc. It consists largely of zinc sulphide in crystalline form and variable amounts of iron. When iron content is high it forms an opaque black variety called marmatite.
Sphalerite is usually found in association with galena, pyrite, and other sulfides along with calcite, dolomite and fluorite. Miners refer to sphalerite as zinc blende and black-jack.
Its color is usually yellow, brown, or gray to gray-black. It may be shiny or dull. Its luster varies from resinous to sub-metallic for high iron varieties. It has a yellow or light brown streak. It measures 3.9 to 4.1 in Moh’s scale of mineral hardness.
Ruby Sphalerite has a red iridescence within the gray-black crystals. The pale yellow and red varieties have very little iron and are translucent. The darker and more opaque varieties contain more iron. Some specimens are fluorescent in UV rays.
An almost pure Zinc Sulfide variety known as cleiophane, is highly fluorescent under long wave ultraviolet light .
Crystals of suitable size and transparency are fashioned into gemstones. Their brilliant cut displays sphalerite’s high dispersion – over three times that of diamond. Freshly cut gems have an adamantine luster.
Owing to the softness and fragility the gems become collector’s items and museum pieces. Some have been set into pendants. Gem-quality material is usually a yellowish to honey brown, red to orange, or green.
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#107. Titanite
Titanite or sphene is a calcium titanium nesosilicate mineral. The name is derived from the Greek word 'sphenos' meaning ‘wedge’. The traces of impurities usually present are iron and aluminium. Rare earth metals cerium and yttrium may also be present. Thorium may replace Calcium in titanite.
Titanite occurs as a common accessory mineral in intermediate and felsic igneous rocks and associated pegmatites. Important sources include Pakistan, Italy, Russia, China, Brazil, Austria, Madagascar, Canada and California.
Titanite is a source of titanium dioxide used in pigments. As a gemstone it has an exceptionally good dispersive power.
Titanite or sphene is a calcium titanium nesosilicate mineral. The name is derived from the Greek word 'sphenos' meaning ‘wedge’. The traces of impurities usually present are iron and aluminium. Rare earth metals cerium and yttrium may also be present. Thorium may replace Calcium in titanite.
Titanite occurs as a common accessory mineral in intermediate and felsic igneous rocks and associated pegmatites. Important sources include Pakistan, Italy, Russia, China, Brazil, Austria, Madagascar, Canada and California.
Titanite is a source of titanium dioxide used in pigments. As a gemstone it has an exceptionally good dispersive power.
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[h=1]#108. Spinel[/h]
Spinel is the magnesium aluminium member of the large spinel group of minerals. It has an imperfect octahedral cleavage and a conchoidal fracture. Its hardness is 8 on Moh’s scale of mineral hardness.
It varies from transparent to opaque and from vitreous to dull luster. It may be colorless or exist in various shades of red, blue, green, yellow, brown and black. A unique natural white spinel was found in Sri Lanka.
Spinels rank among the most famous gemstones. The Black Prince’s Ruby and the Timur Ruby are in the British Crown jewels. The ‘cote de Bretagne’ belonged to the former French Crown jewels. The largest known spinel in the world is Samarian Spinel weighing 500 carats or a massive 100 grams.
The transparent red spinels were called spinel-rubies or balas rubies. In the past both spinels and rubies were called as rubies. After the 18th century the word ruby denotes the red gem variety of the mineral corundum and the word spinel denotes the others.
Balas ruby is an old name for a rose-tinted variety. “Balas” is derived from Balascia, the ancient name forBadakhshan province – the main source for red and pink spinels for centuries.
True spinel exist in the gemstone bearing gravel of Sri Lanka and in the lime stones of the Badakshan Province (in modern day Afghanistan) and in Burma.
Recently gem quality spinels were found in Vietnam, Tanzania, Kenya and Madagascar. Spinel is found as a metamorphic mineral. It is also a primary mineral in rare mafic igneous rocks. Combination with aluminium oxide forms corundum while combination with magnesia forms spinel. This explains why ruby and spinel are often found together.
Spinel is the magnesium aluminium member of the large spinel group of minerals. It has an imperfect octahedral cleavage and a conchoidal fracture. Its hardness is 8 on Moh’s scale of mineral hardness.
It varies from transparent to opaque and from vitreous to dull luster. It may be colorless or exist in various shades of red, blue, green, yellow, brown and black. A unique natural white spinel was found in Sri Lanka.
Spinels rank among the most famous gemstones. The Black Prince’s Ruby and the Timur Ruby are in the British Crown jewels. The ‘cote de Bretagne’ belonged to the former French Crown jewels. The largest known spinel in the world is Samarian Spinel weighing 500 carats or a massive 100 grams.
The transparent red spinels were called spinel-rubies or balas rubies. In the past both spinels and rubies were called as rubies. After the 18th century the word ruby denotes the red gem variety of the mineral corundum and the word spinel denotes the others.
Balas ruby is an old name for a rose-tinted variety. “Balas” is derived from Balascia, the ancient name forBadakhshan province – the main source for red and pink spinels for centuries.
True spinel exist in the gemstone bearing gravel of Sri Lanka and in the lime stones of the Badakshan Province (in modern day Afghanistan) and in Burma.
Recently gem quality spinels were found in Vietnam, Tanzania, Kenya and Madagascar. Spinel is found as a metamorphic mineral. It is also a primary mineral in rare mafic igneous rocks. Combination with aluminium oxide forms corundum while combination with magnesia forms spinel. This explains why ruby and spinel are often found together.
OP
OP
WE all love to receive or at least see these stars!!!
#109. Starry crystals
1. Star Diopsode
2. Star Garnet with four rays
3. Star Garnet with 6 rays
4. Star Moonstone colored
5. Star Moonstone white
6. Six ray Star Moonstone
7. Star Rose quartz translucent
8. Star Rose quartz opaque
9. Star Ruby with six rays
10. Star Ruby with six rays
11. Star Sapphire
12. Star Sapphire
13. Star Sun stone
14. Star Sun stone
#109. Starry crystals
1. Star Diopsode
2. Star Garnet with four rays
3. Star Garnet with 6 rays
4. Star Moonstone colored
5. Star Moonstone white
6. Six ray Star Moonstone
7. Star Rose quartz translucent
8. Star Rose quartz opaque
9. Star Ruby with six rays
10. Star Ruby with six rays
11. Star Sapphire
12. Star Sapphire
13. Star Sun stone
14. Star Sun stone
DR.C.NARAYANI
Active member
Hello VR Mam,:happy: 
:clap2: :cheer2:.super ,super ,&super.I just love the wonderful pictures posted.
:clap2: :cheer2:.super ,super ,&super.I just love the wonderful pictures posted.
OP
OP
Hello VR Mam,:happy:
At your service mam... as usual!!!
OP
OP
Dear Dr. C.N ,
I miss Mrs. Subha very much.
The others are appearing and disappearing ON and OFF. :bolt:
Till now you are the ONLY friend who continues to remain a friend. TOUCH WOOD
Thank you dear doctor... despite your busy schedule :roll:
you find time to read, to respond and click the 'like' for many posts. :hug:
I start almost everyday in the forum thinking of you!
I miss Mrs. Subha very much.
The others are appearing and disappearing ON and OFF. :bolt:
Till now you are the ONLY friend who continues to remain a friend. TOUCH WOOD
Thank you dear doctor... despite your busy schedule :roll:
you find time to read, to respond and click the 'like' for many posts. :hug:
I start almost everyday in the forum thinking of you!
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