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Elbaite
Elbaite is a very popular mineral composed of sodium lithium aluminium boron silicate. [1]
Elbaite: Quick Facts and Characteristics
Some quick facts for Elbaite:- Transparency: Elbaite can be translucent or transparent.
- Crystallography: In terms of crystallography, elbaite is hexagonal.
- Luster: In terms of luster, elbaite is vitreous (glassy).
- Streak: Elbaite streaks white.
- Specific Gravity: Elbaite's specific gravity ranges from 2.9 to 3.
Elbaite: Background and Summary
Elbaite is a mineral that belongs to the tourmaline group. It is a complex borosilicate mineral that has a variety of colors, including pink, green, blue, red, and yellow. Elbaite is a popular gemstone and is often used in jewelry making. It is also used in the manufacturing of electronic devices, such as capacitors and transistors.To identify elbaite, one can look for its distinctive crystal structure. Elbaite crystals are typically six-sided prisms that are elongated along the c-axis. They also have a strong pleochroism, which means that they exhibit different colors when viewed from different angles. Elbaite is also harder than most minerals, with a Mohs hardness of 7 to 7.5.
Elbaite has many uses, both as a gemstone and as an industrial material. As a gemstone, it is prized for its vibrant colors and durability. It is often used in high-end jewelry, such as engagement rings and necklaces. As an industrial material, elbaite is used in the manufacturing of electronic devices. Its unique electrical properties make it an ideal material for capacitors and transistors.
Elbaite: Table of Properties
| Attribute | Elbaite (src) |
|---|---|
| Transparency | transparent, translucent |
| Chemical Formula | Na(Li,Al)3Al6(BO3)3Si6O18(OH)4 |
| Chemical Composition | sodium lithium aluminium boron silicate |
| Specific Gravity | 2.9, 3 |
| Streak | white |
| Crystallography | hexagonal |
| Hydrous | No |
| Colors | common: red, green sometimes: blue, pink, black, brown, white, orange, purple, yellow, colorless, multicolor |
| Category | cyclosilicate |
| Birefringence | δ = 0.020 |
| Fracture | 1: 1 |
Elbaite: FAQ
Q: Is elbaite a rare mineral?A: Elbaite is not considered to be a rare mineral. It is found in many locations around the world, including Brazil, Afghanistan, and the United States.
Q: What is the most common color of elbaite?
A: The most common color of elbaite is green, but it can also be found in pink, blue, red, and yellow.
Q: Is elbaite a valuable gemstone?
A: Elbaite can be a valuable gemstone, especially if it is a high-quality specimen with a vibrant color. However, like all gemstones, its value is dependent on a variety of factors, including its size, color, and clarity.
Sources
- https://www.minerals.net/mineral/elbaite.aspx- https://www.gia.edu/gem-encyclopedia/elbaite
- https://www.mineralseducationcoalition.org/minerals/elbaite/
- Elbaite: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elbaite
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