Serendibite

Serendibite

Serendibite, 1.06 - 4.06 ct, Myanmar
General
Category Inosilicates
Formula
(repeating unit)
(Ca,Na)2(Mg,Fe2+)3(Al,Fe3+)3[O2|(Si,Al,B)6O18]
Strunz classification 9.DH.40
Dana classification 69.2.1a.6
Crystal system Triclinic
Identification
Color pale yellow, blue-green, greyish blue, black
Crystal symmetry Triclinic - pinacoidal
H-M symbol (1)
Space group: P1
Twinning Polysynthetic on {0-11} is common
Cleavage None Observed
Mohs scale hardness 6.5 - 7
Luster Vitreous
Streak White
Diaphaneity Transparent, Translucent,Opaque
Density 3.42 - 3.52 g/cm3 (Measured) 3.47 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical properties Biaxial (+)
Refractive index 1.701 - 1.706
Pleochroism Visible,strong, color: green, blue, yellow, bluegreen, light yellow
2V angle Measured: 80° , Calculated: 80°
Dispersion strong
References [1][2]

Serendibite is an extremely rare mineral and gem that was first discovered in 1902 in Sri Lanka by Dunil Palitha Gunasekera and named after Serendib, the old Arabic name for Sri Lanka. It is considered one of the rarest gemstones in the world.

Pleochroism

Pleochroism with Serendibite

Most Serendibite gems are opaque, but some have shown gold brown, green and blue colors with transmitted light.

References


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