Musgravite

(repeating unit)(Mg,Fe,Zn)2BeAl6O12Strunz classification04.FC.25Crystal systemTrigonalIdentificationColorGrey green to greenFractureConchoidalMohs scale hardness8–8.5LusterVitreousDiaphaneityTransparentSpecific gravity3.62–3.68Optical propertiesUniaxialRefractive indexnω = 1.739, nε = 1.735Birefringenceδ = 0.014 to 0.016References[1][2]

Musgravite or magnesiotaaffeite-6N’3S is a rare oxide mineral used as a gemstone. Its type locality is the Ernabella Mission, Musgrave Ranges, South Australia, for which it was named following its discovery in 1967.[2] It is a member of the taaffeite family of minerals,[2][1] and its chemical formula is Be(Mg, Fe, Zn)2Al6O12. Its hardness is 8 to 8.5 on the Mohs scale.[2] Due to its rarity, the mineral can sell for roughly USD$35,000 per carat.

See also

  • List of minerals

References

  1. ^ a b Gemdat
  2. ^ a b c d Magnesiotaaffeite-6N’3S on Mindat


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