Crystals
Ruby with zoisite
Ruby in Zoisite • natural metamorphic rock composed of contrasting mineral phases Ruby: chromium-bearing corundum, Al2O3 Green matrix: chromium-bearing zoisite, Ca2Al3(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH) Dark phase: commonly pargasite amphibole in classic Longido material...
Ruby with zoisite
Ruby in Zoisite • natural metamorphic rock composed of contrasting mineral phases Ruby: chromium-bearing corundum, Al2O3 Green matrix: chromium-bearing zoisite, Ca2Al3(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH) Dark phase: commonly pargasite amphibole in classic Longido material...
Sunstone
Sunstone • gem and trade name for feldspar displaying warm color, metallic inclusions, or aventurescent schiller Most classic material: plagioclase feldspar Some sunstone is orthoclase or microcline Mohs about 6–6.5...
Sunstone
Sunstone • gem and trade name for feldspar displaying warm color, metallic inclusions, or aventurescent schiller Most classic material: plagioclase feldspar Some sunstone is orthoclase or microcline Mohs about 6–6.5...
Ruby with fuchsite
Ruby in Fuchsite • natural metamorphic rock containing corundum in chromium-rich mica Ruby: Al2O3 with Cr3+ Fuchsite: idealized K(Al,Cr)2(AlSi3O10)(OH)2 Common associate: blue or blue-green kyanite Possible matrix phases: quartz, feldspar,...
Ruby with fuchsite
Ruby in Fuchsite • natural metamorphic rock containing corundum in chromium-rich mica Ruby: Al2O3 with Cr3+ Fuchsite: idealized K(Al,Cr)2(AlSi3O10)(OH)2 Common associate: blue or blue-green kyanite Possible matrix phases: quartz, feldspar,...
Agate geode
Chalcedony rind Quartz druzy interior SiO2 Mohs 6.5–7 Cavity-grown crystals Agate Geodes: Banded Stone Cavities, Quartz Druzy, and Hidden Crystal Architecture Agate geodes are natural cavities lined first with chalcedony...
Agate geode
Chalcedony rind Quartz druzy interior SiO2 Mohs 6.5–7 Cavity-grown crystals Agate Geodes: Banded Stone Cavities, Quartz Druzy, and Hidden Crystal Architecture Agate geodes are natural cavities lined first with chalcedony...
Seraphinite
Seraphinite • lapidary trade name for plume-patterned clinochlore Representative clinochlore formula: Mg5Al(AlSi3O10)(OH)8 Chlorite group • layered phyllosilicate Monoclinic • perfect basal cleavage Silvery plumes from aligned reflective lamellae Mohs about...
Seraphinite
Seraphinite • lapidary trade name for plume-patterned clinochlore Representative clinochlore formula: Mg5Al(AlSi3O10)(OH)8 Chlorite group • layered phyllosilicate Monoclinic • perfect basal cleavage Silvery plumes from aligned reflective lamellae Mohs about...
Turquoise
Turquoise • hydrated copper–aluminum phosphate CuAl6(PO4)4(OH)8·4H2O Triclinic • commonly compact, microcrystalline, and vein-forming Mohs about 5–6 • lower in porous or altered material Blue, blue-green, green, and yellow-green Copper supplies...
Turquoise
Turquoise • hydrated copper–aluminum phosphate CuAl6(PO4)4(OH)8·4H2O Triclinic • commonly compact, microcrystalline, and vein-forming Mohs about 5–6 • lower in porous or altered material Blue, blue-green, green, and yellow-green Copper supplies...