AllMineralsRock
Scapolite
Scapolite is a popular gemstone composed of a group of silicates. [1]
Scapolite: Quick Facts and Characteristics
Some quick facts for Scapolite:- Transparency: Scapolite can be opaque, translucent or transparent.
- Crystallography: In terms of crystallography, scapolite is tetragonal.
- Luster: In terms of luster, scapolite can be pearly, resinous or vitreous (glassy).
- Streak: Scapolite streaks white.
- Hardness: Scapolite's hardness ranges from 5.5 to 6 on the Moh's scale.
- Specific Gravity: Scapolite's specific gravity ranges from 2.5 to 2.78.
Scapolite: Background and Summary
Scapolite is a mineral group consisting of several different minerals, including meionite, marialite, and dipyre. It is typically found in metamorphic and igneous rocks, and its color can range from white to gray, yellow, green, or pink. Scapolite is an important mineral in the gemstone industry and is often used as a substitute for more expensive stones like sapphire or topaz.One way to identify scapolite is by its characteristic cleavage and fracture patterns. It has a perfect cleavage in two directions, which means that it breaks cleanly along two planes. Scapolite also has a conchoidal fracture, which means that it breaks with smooth, curved surfaces. Its hardness is between 5 and 6 on the Mohs scale, which means that it is relatively hard but can still be scratched by harder minerals like quartz.
Scapolite has a variety of uses in different industries. In addition to being used as a gemstone, it is also used in the production of ceramic materials and as a flux in the glass-making process. It is also used as a source of aluminum and calcium in some industrial processes. In the medical field, scapolite has been studied for its potential use in bone grafts and other orthopedic applications.
Scapolite: Table of Properties
| Attribute | Scapolite (src) |
|---|---|
| Transparency | transparent, translucent, opaque |
| Chemical Formula | (Na,Ca)4(Al,Si)3Si6O24)(Cl,CO3) |
| Chemical Composition | a group of silicates |
| Specific Gravity | 2.5, 2.78 |
| Hardness | 5.5, 6 |
| Streak | white |
| Crystallography | tetragonal |
| Refractive Index | 1.531, 1.6 |
| Hydrous | No |
| Colors | common: yellow sometimes: gray, brown, orange less common: pale, pink, white, purple, violet, colorless, blue, gold, green |
| Fracture | 1: 1 |
Scapolite: FAQ
Q: Is scapolite a rare mineral?A: Scapolite is not considered a rare mineral, but it is not as commonly found as some other minerals like quartz or feldspar.
Q: What is the most common color of scapolite?
A: The most common color of scapolite is white or gray, but it can also be yellow, green, or pink.
Q: Can scapolite be used in jewelry?
A: Yes, scapolite is often used as a gemstone in jewelry. It is a durable and relatively affordable alternative to more expensive stones like sapphire or topaz.
Sources
- "Scapolite." Mindat.org. Accessed August 17, 2021. https://www.mindat.org/min-3523.html.- "Scapolite." Geology.com. Accessed August 17, 2021. https://geology.com/minerals/scapolite.shtml.
- "Scapolite." Gemological Institute of America. Accessed August 17, 2021. https://www.gia.edu/scapolite.
- Scapolite: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scapolite
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