Dravite
Dravite is a popular mineral composed of sodium magnesium aluminum boron silicate. [1]
Dravite: Quick Facts and Characteristics
Some quick facts for Dravite:- Transparency: Dravite can be opaque, translucent or transparent.
- Luster: In terms of luster, dravite can be dull, resinous or vitreous (glassy).
- Streak: Dravite streaks white.
- Specific Gravity: Dravite's specific gravity ranges from 3 to 3.2.
Dravite: Background and Summary
Dravite is a mineral that belongs to the tourmaline group of minerals, which are known for their complex crystal structures and wide range of colors. Dravite is named after the Drava River in Austria, where it was first discovered in the 19th century. It is usually brown in color, but can also be green or black. Dravite is a rare mineral and is typically found in metamorphic rocks that have undergone high pressure and temperature conditions.To identify dravite, one can use several methods. One common method is to observe its physical properties. Dravite has a hardness of 7-7.5 on the Mohs scale, which means it is relatively hard and can scratch glass. It also has a specific gravity of 3.1-3.2, which means it is heavier than most minerals of similar size. Another method is to use spectroscopy, which involves analyzing the mineral's spectral patterns using a spectrometer. Dravite has a unique spectral pattern that can be used to identify it.
Dravite has several uses. It is often used as a gemstone due to its unique color and hardness. It is also used in the manufacture of electronic devices such as capacitors and semiconductors. In addition, dravite has been used in the cosmetic industry as a natural exfoliant and in the production of certain types of glass.
Dravite: Table of Properties
Attribute | Dravite (src) |
---|---|
Transparency | transparent, translucent, opaque |
Chemical Formula | NaMg3Al6(BO3)3Si6O18(OH)3F |
Chemical Composition | sodium magnesium aluminum boron silicate |
Specific Gravity | 3, 3.2 |
Streak | white |
Hydrous | No |
Colors | common: brown sometimes: green, orange, yellow less common: black |
Fracture | 1: 1 |
Dravite: FAQ
Q: Is dravite rare?A: Yes, dravite is a rare mineral and is typically found in metamorphic rocks.
Q: What is the color of dravite?
A: Dravite is usually brown in color, but can also be green or black.
Q: What is the hardness of dravite?
A: Dravite has a hardness of 7-7.5 on the Mohs scale.
Q: What is dravite used for?
A: Dravite is often used as a gemstone, in the manufacture of electronic devices, and in the cosmetic industry.
Sources
- "Dravite Mineral Data." Webmineral. https://www.webmineral.com/data/Dravite.shtml- "Dravite: The Brown Tourmaline." Geology In. https://geologyin.com/dravite-the-brown-tourmaline/
- Dravite: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tourmaline#Dravite
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