Experimental Study of Cr Incorporation in Pargasite Claire-Isabelle Fialips-Guédon, Jean-Louis Robert, François Delbove

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Experimental Study of Cr Incorporation in Pargasite Claire-Isabelle Fialips-Guédon, Jean-Louis Robert, François Delbove Experimental study of Cr incorporation in pargasite Claire-Isabelle Fialips-Guédon, Jean-Louis Robert, François Delbove To cite this version: Claire-Isabelle Fialips-Guédon, Jean-Louis Robert, François Delbove. Experimental study of Cr incor- poration in pargasite. American Mineralogist, Mineralogical Society of America, 2000, 85, pp.687-693. hal-00077529 HAL Id: hal-00077529 https://hal-insu.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00077529 Submitted on 31 May 2006 HAL is a multi-disciplinary open access L’archive ouverte pluridisciplinaire HAL, est archive for the deposit and dissemination of sci- destinée au dépôt et à la diffusion de documents entific research documents, whether they are pub- scientifiques de niveau recherche, publiés ou non, lished or not. The documents may come from émanant des établissements d’enseignement et de teaching and research institutions in France or recherche français ou étrangers, des laboratoires abroad, or from public or private research centers. publics ou privés. American Mineralogist, Volume 85, pages 687–693, 2000 Experimental study of Cr incorporation in pargasite CLAIRE-ISABELLE FIALIPS-GUÉDON,1 JEAN-LOUIS ROBERT,2 AND FRANÇOIS DELBOVE2 1Thermochemistry Facility, Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of California at Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, California 95616, U.S.A. 2Centre de Recherche sur la Synthèse et la Chimie des Minéraux, and FR 09, CNRS, 1A rue de la Férollerie, 45071 Orléans Cedex 2, France ABSTRACT Pargasite compositions corresponding to the nominal structural formula NaCa2 ≤ ≤ ° (Mg4Al1-xCrx)(Si6Al2)O22(OH)2, with 0 x 1, were investigated at 900 C and 3 and 20 kbar PH2O. The aims of this work were to determine the extent of the solid solution, i.e., the maximum x value, as a function of experimental conditions, and to characterize the M3+ (Al3+ and/or Cr3+) distribution over the M sites. A first series of experiments at 900 °C and 3 kbar showed the presence of large 6+ amounts of Cr as sodium chromate (Na2CrO4) and dichromate (Na2Cr2O7) in the final fluid phase, which promotes the extraction of Cr from the bulk solid (up to 45 mol%). The oxidizing agent was the oxygen from water, liberated by diffusion of hydrogen from water through the Pt tube wall. To prevent this oxidation, a new double-chamber tube was designed, one chamber containing powdered metallic Cr to trap the excess of oxygen and the second chamber initially containing the starting gel and water. Using this tube, (chromium)-pargasites were produced with a maximum Cr content around 0.43 apfu from EMP analyses (based on 23 O atoms), close to the maximum Cr solubility observed in naturally occurring pargasites. In FTIR spectra of Cr-free pargasite, two intense OH-stretching –1 bands are observed at 3714 and 3681 cm , corresponding to OH groups adjacent to Mg3 and to –1 Mg2Al, respectively, and pointing toward a filled A-site. A third band is observed at 3656 cm , which can be assigned to OH groups pointing toward vacant A-sites. Along the Al-Cr pargasite join, sig- nificant modifications are observed in the OH-stretching region: a new band appears at 3660 cm–1, which can be assigned to OH groups adjacent to Mg2Cr, and pointing toward a filled A-site. Its relative intensity increases regularly with the Cr content, showing that Cr3+ enters M site(s) adjacent to an OH group. Combining EMP and FTIR data, we conclude that up to 0.27 Cr per formula unit occupies the M3 site. However, these are more octahedral trivalent cations than expected, and these are balanced by lower tetrahedral Al and lower occupancies of the A and M4 sites. This charge arrangement, with important deviations from ideal stoichiometry, is apparently the only stable one ° under the conditions applied. Results were confirmed at 900 C and 20 kbar PH2O, indicating that increasing pressure does not affect Cr solubility in pargasite. INTRODUCTION cesses affecting the upper mantle (Veblen and Ribbe 1982). Pargasite is a monoclinic amphibole end-member with ideal Chromium-rich pargasites commonly occur as inclusions in ophiolitic complexes and in chromitites from mafic-ultramafic formula NaCa2Mg4AlSi6Al2O22(OH)2. The tetrahedral double- chain is composed of T1 and T2 sites. T1 sites accommodate layered complexes (Johan et al. 1983). The maximum reported Si and Al whereas T2 sites accommodate mainly Si. The octa- chromium content of pargasite seems to be around 3.5 wt% of hedral strip is composed of two M1, two M2, and one M3 site Cr2O3, i.e., close to 0.5 Cr atom per formula unit (apfu) (Johan per formula unit. The M1 and M3 sites are adjacent to four O et al. 1983). For example, the average structural formula, based atoms and two hydroxyl groups, in cis and trans positions, re- on several tens of analyses of (chromium)-pargasite inclu- spectively, whereas the M2 site is adjacent to six O atoms. In sions in chromites from the Oman ophiolitic complex, is: 2+ the present study, these octahedral sites can accommodate Mg2+, (Na0.57K 0.03)(Ca1.57Mg0.43)(Mg3.91Fe 0.30Cr0.42Al0.22Ti0.17) Al3+, and Cr3+. The M4 site is a wide, anti-prismatic pseudo- (Si6.38Al1.62)O22(OH)2 (Augé, personal communication, 1996). cubic cavity that can accommodate mainly Na+ and Ca2+ but These amphiboles, included in chromites, are commonly asso- also Mg2+. In pargasite, the A-site is mostly occupied by Na+, ciated with phases of the high-temperature decomposition but it can be also partly vacant. paragenesis of pargasite: Al-rich diopside, forsterite, nepheline, Pargasites are encountered from the Earth’s upper mantle spinel (the chromite itself), anorthite, plus Na-rich trioctahedral to the crust (Deer et al. 1992). Their origin in mantle rocks is micas (Johan et al. 1983). controversial: some authors consider pargasites to be primary Experiments were performed under hydrothermal phases, stable at the liquidus of basic melts, whereas other ones conditions along the NaCa2(Mg4Al)(Si6Al2)O22(OH)2- ° consider these amphiboles to be the result of metasomatic pro- NaCa2(Mg4Cr)(Si6Al2)O22(OH)2 join, at 900 C and 3 and 20 kbar PH2O, using different fluid compositions. The aims of the study were to analyze the Cr solubility in pargasites, and to *E-mail: [email protected] understand the incorporation mechanism of Cr into the am- 0003-004X/00/0506–687$05.00 687 688 FIALIPS-GUÉDON: CHROMIUM INCORPORATION IN PARGASITE phibole structure and its distribution between the different sites. time of 5 s per step. Unit-cell parameters (a, b, c, and β) of The crystal-chemical approach is based on X-ray diffraction synthesized pargasites were refined with the “Least-Squares (XRD) data, and Fourier transform infrared absorption spec- Unit-Cell Refinement” Program of Appleman and Evans (1973), trometry (FTIR) measurements in the OH-stretching region. as modified by Garvey (1987). A set of at least 30 unambigu- The valence state of Cr in experimental systems was also con- ously indexed peaks was used for pargasites corresponding to sidered. low nominal XCr values (≤0.6). For higher bulk Cr contents, the increasing proportion of pyroxene reduced to about 20 the num- MATERIALS AND METHODS ber of unambiguous diffraction lines used for the refinement Six gels of different compositions were prepared accord- of the amphibole cell dimensions. ing to the gelling method of Hamilton and Henderson (1968), 0 Fourier transform infrared absorption spectrometry using high-grade Na2CO3, CaCO3, and Cr (transformed to 3+ –1 Na, Ca, and Cr nitrates by dissolution in HNO3), titrated. Infrared spectra were recorded in the 3800–3500 cm range, Mg and Al nitrate solutions, and tetraethylorthosilicate with a 2 cm–1 nominal resolution, on a Nicolet 710 spectrom- (TEOS) as starting reagents (Guédon 1996). Samples were eter swept by a permanent dry air flow. The scanning condition synthesized along the theoretical NaCa2(Mg4Al)(Si6Al2) was 400 scans for both the background and the samples. Spec- O22(OH)2-NaCa2(Mg4Cr)(Si6Al2)O22(OH)2 join, by replacing tra were obtained by transmission mode from KBr pressed pel- [6]Al with [6]Cr in the starting gel, with nominal compositions lets. Pellets were prepared by homogeneous mixing 7–8 mg of [6] [6] measured by the atomic fraction of Cr [0 ≤ XCr = Cr / (Cr + dry sample with 150 mg of KBr. Al) ≤ 1]. Infrared spectra were decomposed in symmetrical Gaussians Two series of experiments were performed at 900 °C and 3 with the SPC program (Roux and Volfinger 1996); the reason kbar, for 3 days in an internally heated pressure vessel, using of the use of symmetrical Gaussians was discussed previously Ar as the pressure medium. These conditions were chosen ac- by Strens (1974) and Papin et al. (1997). cording to previous experimental studies on pargasite (Della Quantitative analysis of the cation site populations adja- Ventura et al. 1999). cent to OH groups from FTIR data needs the knowledge of For the first series of syntheses, 160–190 mg of starting gel molar extinction coefficients. Absolute values of these extinc- and 24–29 µL of solution (15 wt%) were introduced into Pt tion coefficients are not available for most cationic environ- tubes. The solution used was distilled water for the most part, ments; however, we know that they remain constant when the but three experiments were performed using increasingly con- wavenumber changes, even when transition elements are in- centrated NaCl solutions (1–4 M). volved, provided that the second- and third-neighbor cationic For the second series of syntheses, a double-chamber tube environments remain unchanged in the amphibole structure was designed, one chamber initially containing 120–240 mg (Della Ventura et al. 1996, 1997). of starting gel and 18–36 µL of distilled water (15 wt%), and the second chamber containing 300 mg of powdered metallic Electron microprobe Cr.
Recommended publications
  • Optical Properties of Common Rock-Forming Minerals
    AppendixA __________ Optical Properties of Common Rock-Forming Minerals 325 Optical Properties of Common Rock-Forming Minerals J. B. Lyons, S. A. Morse, and R. E. Stoiber Distinguishing Characteristics Chemical XI. System and Indices Birefringence "Characteristically parallel, but Mineral Composition Best Cleavage Sign,2V and Relief and Color see Fig. 13-3. A. High Positive Relief Zircon ZrSiO. Tet. (+) 111=1.940 High biref. Small euhedral grains show (.055) parallel" extinction; may cause pleochroic haloes if enclosed in other minerals Sphene CaTiSiOs Mon. (110) (+) 30-50 13=1.895 High biref. Wedge-shaped grains; may (Titanite) to 1.935 (0.108-.135) show (110) cleavage or (100) Often or (221) parting; ZI\c=51 0; brownish in very high relief; r>v extreme. color CtJI\) 0) Gamet AsB2(SiO.la where Iso. High Grandite often Very pale pink commonest A = R2+ and B = RS + 1.7-1.9 weakly color; inclusions common. birefracting. Indices vary widely with composition. Crystals often euhedraL Uvarovite green, very rare. Staurolite H2FeAI.Si2O'2 Orth. (010) (+) 2V = 87 13=1.750 Low biref. Pleochroic colorless to golden (approximately) (.012) yellow; one good cleavage; twins cruciform or oblique; metamorphic. Olivine Series Mg2SiO. Orth. (+) 2V=85 13=1.651 High biref. Colorless (Fo) to yellow or pale to to (.035) brown (Fa); high relief. Fe2SiO. Orth. (-) 2V=47 13=1.865 High biref. Shagreen (mottled) surface; (.051) often cracked and altered to %II - serpentine. Poor (010) and (100) cleavages. Extinction par- ~ ~ alleL" l~4~ Tourmaline Na(Mg,Fe,Mn,Li,Alk Hex. (-) 111=1.636 Mod. biref.
    [Show full text]
  • Sadanagaite and Magnesio.Sadanagaite, New Silica-Poor Members of Calcic Amphibole from Japan
    American Mineralogist, Volume 69, pages 465471, 19E4 Sadanagaiteand magnesio.sadanagaite,new silica-poor membersof calcic amphibole from Japan Hrppnxo Sntrraezerr Geological Institute, Faculty of Science University of Tolcyo, Hongo, Tolcyo l13, Japan Mrcnrerr Buuxor Department of Mineralogy, The University Museum University of Tolcyo, Hongo, Tolcyo 113, Japan nxo Tonnu Ozewe Mineralogical Institute, Faculty of Science University of Tolcyo, Hongo, Tolcyo ll3, Japan Abstract Sadanagaite,(K,Na)CazGe2*,Mg,Al,Fe3*,Ti)r[(Si,AlhO22(OH)2] where Fe2* = Mg, Al = Fe3* and Si < 5.5, and its Mg-rich analogue,magnesio-sadanagaite Fe2+ < Mg, are extremely SiO2-poor new amphiboles, which require the compositional extension of the edenite-pargasiteseries, and amending of the classification and nomenclature of amphi- boles (Leake, 1978). Theseare monoclinic,C2, Cm or Cllm; a = 9.922(10),b : 1E.03(2),c : 5.352(9)4,B: 105.30(10f,Z = 2 for sadanagaitewith Si - 5.0, and a : 9.964(2),D : 18.008(3),c : 5.354(2)4,B = 105.55(2)",2= 2 for magnesio-sadanagaitewith Si:5.0. The strongest lines in the X-ray powder pattern for magnesio-sadanagaiteare: 8.48(80)(ll0), 3.39(40Xl3l), 3.28(100X240),3.15(70)(3r0), 2.951(50X22r),2.823(30)(330), 2.766(45)(33r), 2.707(60Xl5l),2.594(35X061),2.162(55)(261),1.654(30X461), thesebeing similar to thoseof X-ray powder patterns of SiO2-poorcalcic amphiboles, especially kaersutite. Both specieshave very similar physical properties, and are dark brown to black with a vitreousluster. Streak very light brown.
    [Show full text]
  • Spring 2002 Gems & Gemology
    Spring 2002 VOLUME 38, NO. 1 EDITORIAL 1 Richard T. Liddicoat: Celebrating 50 Years of Leadership William E. Boyajian FEATURE ARTICLES 2 The Ultimate Gemologist: A Tribute to Richard T. Liddicoat Dona M. Dirlam, James E. Shigley, and Stuart D. Overlin A look at the extraordinary career of Richard Liddicoat. 14 Portable Instruments and Tips on Practical Gemology in the Field Edward W. Boehm An essential guide to the use of portable instruments when purchasing gems. 28 Liddicoatite Tourmaline from Anjanabonoina, Madagascar Dona M. Dirlam, Brendan M. Laurs, Federico Pezzotta, and William B. (Skip) Simmons pg. 3 Explores the world’s primary source of this remarkable calcium-rich lithium tourmaline, named in honor of Richard T. Liddicoat. 54 Star of the South: A Historic 128 ct Diamond Christopher P. Smith and George Bosshart A history and characterization of this famous diamond. NOTES AND NEW TECHNIQUES 66 Identification of Yellow Cultured Pearls from the Black-Lipped Oyster Pinctada Margaritifera Shane Elen How absorption features can establish the origin of these cultured pearls. pg. 22 73 Serendibite from Sri Lanka Karl Schmetzer, George Bosshart, Heinz-Jürgen Bernhardt, Edward J. Gübelin, and Christopher P. Smith A characterization of this rare gem material from Sri Lanka. REGULAR FEATURES 80 Gem Trade Lab Notes • Color grade vs. value for fancy-color diamonds • Diamond with eclogitic inclusions • Diamond with a large void • Genthelvite: A second occurrence • Jadeite carving: Assembled, dyed, and impregnated • Coated natural pearls •
    [Show full text]
  • Pargasites in Lherzolite and Websterite Inclusions from Itinome-Gata, Japan
    J. Japan. Assoc. Min. Petr. Econ. Geol. 68, 303-310, 1973 PARGASITES IN LHERZOLITE AND WEBSTERITE INCLUSIONS FROM ITINOME-GATA, JAPAN KEN-ICHIRO AOKI and IKUKO SHIBA Institute of Mineralogy, Petrology and Economic Geology, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan Pargasite occupies up to 4 volume per cent of lherzolite inclusions and up to 8 per cent of websterite inclusions. It occurs as discrete primary crystals and as interstitial grains among other minerals averaging less than 2 volume per cent. New analyses are presented for six representative pargasites. They are characterized by high Cr2O2 and wide variation of K2O and Mg/(Mg+Fe) ratio. The following origin of the pargasites is hypothsized from the mineralogy and chemist ry of the host rocks. Original garnet lherzolite and websterite were located at a depth of up to 50 to 75km. During upward transport, to 25km deep in the uppermost part of the mantle, the garnet was finally transformed to olivine+plagioclase+spinel and both orthopyroxene and clinopyroxene were recrystallized toward a relatively rich Tschermak's molecule. Jadeite and Tschermak's components separated from pyroxenes and silica liberated from the breakdown of garnet produced plagioclase, pargasite and orthopyroxene. However, minor newly-formed minerals were not always in equilibrium with major consti tuents. It is demonstrated that the lherzolite mantle just below the M-discontinuity contains only up to 0.04 per cent water. INTRODUCTION (Kushiro, 1970). Because the former has been found only in kimberlite diatremes at Oxburgh (1964) suggested that am Buell Park, Arizona (Aoki, et al., 1972), it phibole would be stable in an upper mantle of peridotite composition, playing a very is thought to be a rare occurrence in the important role in basaltic magma genera mantle.
    [Show full text]
  • Cl-Rich Amphiboles As Record for Hydrothermal Processes at Very
    Cl-rich amphiboles as record for hydrothermal processes at very high temperatures in the deep oceanic crust: brine/rock interaction experiments and investigation on natural rocks Von der Naturwissenschaftlichen Fakultät der Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Universität Hannover zur Erlangung des Grades Doktorin der Naturwissenschaften (Dr. rer. nat.) genehmigte Dissertation von Adriana Miriam Currin Sala, M. Sc (Niederlande) 2018 Referent: Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Jürgen Koepke Korreferenten: Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Wolfgang Bach Prof. Dr. sci. nat. Ulrich Heimhofer Tag der Promotion: 15.11.2018 2 Abstract Interactions between rock and high temperature seawater-derived fluids are recorded in hydrothermal veins and dykelets that cross-cut layered olivine gabbros deep in the plutonic section of the Samail Ophiolite, Wadi Wariyah, Sultanate of Oman. Here we present a study – using petrographic, microanalytical, isotopic, and structural methods – of amphiboles found in the aforementioned veins and dykelets, which show a conspicuous compositional variation from high-Ti magnesiohastingsite and pargasite via magnesiohornblende and edenite, to Cl-rich ferropargasite and hastingsite (with up to 5.4 wt% Cl) and actinolite. These minerals record a wide range of formation conditions from magmatic to hydrothermal at varying water/rock ratios and salinities, while the formation of super Cl-rich amphibole suggests the occurrence of phase separation, and 87Sr/86Sr and stable δ18O isotope analyses confirm the influence of a hydrothermal fluid in a rock-dominated environment. A parallel experimental study was conducted at hydrothermal (500 – 750 °C) and magmatic (900 °C) conditions at pressures of 2 kbar, and fO2 close to NNO, with an amphibole-containing natural olivine gabbro and saline fluid (6, 20 and 50 wt% NaCl).
    [Show full text]
  • Spinel from Mogok, Myanmar—A Detailed Inclusion Study by Raman
    FEATURE ARTICLE Spinel from Mogok, Myanmar—A Detailed Inclusion Study by Raman Microspectroscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy Myint Myat Phyo, Eva Bieler, Leander Franz, Walter Balmer and Michael S. Krzemnicki ABSTRACT: Mineral inclusions within 100 gem-quality spinels from both primary marble and secondary alluvial mining sites within Myanmar's Mogok Valley were analysed using Raman microspectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (including backscattered-electron imaging and energy-dispersive spectroscopy). The samples ranged from pink to red, orangey pink to orangey red, and grey to purplish grey. We identified a number of inclusions that are reported here for the first time in Mogok spinel: amphibole (presumably pargasite), anatase, baddeleyite, boehmite, brucite, chlorite, clinohumite, clinopyroxene, diaspore, geikielite, goethite, halite, marcasite, molybdenite, periclase and pyrrhotite. We also found several minerals that were previously known as inclusions in Mogok spinel, including anhydrite, apatite, carbonates (calcite, dolomite and magnesite), chondrodite, elemental sulphur, graphite, iron oxides or iron hydroxides, phlogopite and zircon. We further differentiated the occurrence of inclusions in spinel from different mining sites in Mogok to assess whether these mineral assemblages can enhance our understanding of the geological origin of these gems and whether the inclusions can help separate Mogok spinels from those of other marble-related deposits worldwide. The Journal of Gemmology, 36(5), 2019, pp. 418–435, http://doi.org/10.15506/JoG.2019.36.5.418 © 2019 Gem-A (The Gemmological Association of Great Britain) ince ancient times, gem-quality spinel (ideally imperial jewels, two of which were later integrated into MgAl2O4) has been appreciated for its range British royal jewels (the Black Prince’s ‘Ruby’ and the of colour and often exceptional clarity, and Timur ‘Ruby’; see also Pardieu & Hughes 2008; Yavorskyy today spinel is the second most important and & Hughes 2010; Truong 2017).
    [Show full text]
  • Chromio-Pargasite Naca2mg4crsi6al2o22(OH)2
    Chromio-pargasite NaCa2Mg4CrSi6Al2O22(OH)2 Crystal Data: Monoclinic. Point Group: 2/m. As prismatic crystals, to 1.5 cm, elongated on [001]. Physical Properties: Cleavage: Perfect on {110}. Fracture: Uneven. Tenacity: Brittle. Hardness = 6 D(meas.) = 3.08 D(calc.) = 3.121 Optical Properties: Transparent. Color: Emerald-green to pale green. Streak: Pale green. Luster: Vitreous. Pleochroism: Yellowish to bluish green. Optical Class: Biaxial (+). α = 1.644(2) β = 1.647(2) γ = 1.659(2) 2V(calc.) = 53° Cell Data: Space Group: C2/m. a = 9.9176(1) b = 18.0057(2) c = 5.2865(1) β = 105.395(1)° Z = 2 X-ray Powder Pattern: Akaishi mine, Higashi-Akaishi Mountain, Ehime Prefecture, Japan. 2.546 (100), 2.697 (81), 3.370 (58), 1.514 (55), 2.585 (50), 2.932 (43), 2.346 (42) Chemistry: (1) (2) SiO2 42.90 41.88 TiO2 0.25 Al2O3 12.10 11.84 Cr2O3 5.46 8.83 FeO 1.20 MgO 19.28 18.73 CaO 12.31 13.03 Na2O 3.26 3.60 K2O 0.37 H2O [2.09] 2.09 Total 99.22 100.00 (1) Akaishi mine, Ehime Prefecture, Japan; average of 30 electron microprobe analyses, Fe2+/Fe3+ estimated using the average ferric iron method, H2O from stoichiometry; corresponding to 3+ 2+ (Na0.88K0.07)Σ=0.95(Ca1.89Na0.02Mg0.09)Σ=2.00Mg4.03(Cr0.62Al0.19Fe 0.07Fe 0.07Ti0.03)Σ=0.98(Si6.14Al1.86)Σ=8.00 O22(OH)2. (2) NaCa2Mg4CrSi6Al2O22(OH)2. Polymorphism & Series: Forms a series with pargasite.
    [Show full text]
  • Jog 35 5.Pdf
    GemmologyThe Journal of Volume 35 / No. 5 / 2017 The Gemmological Association of Great Britain Contents GemmologyThe Journal of Volume 35 / No. 5 / 2017 COLUMNS p.386 373 What’s New Multi-colour-temperature lamp|PL-Inspector|AGTA report on Myanmar|ASEAN Gem & p. 388 Jewelry Review|Atypical pearl culturing in P. maxima|Conflict diamonds and Cameroon| Diamond origin identification using fluorescence|Global Diamond Industry 2016|ICGL Klaus Schollenbruch photo Newsletter|Japanese journal online|Raman spectrometer sensitivity|Gold demand trends 2016|Agate Expo DVDs|AGTA ARTICLES 2017 Tucson seminars|Color- Jeff Scovil photo Codex colour referencing system| Feature Articles GemeSquare and MyGem- ewizard apps|Gemewizard 404 Synthetic Emeralds Grown by W. Zerfass: Historical monitor calibration kit|Fabergé Account, Growth Technology, and Properties online|Reopening of The Lap- By Karl Schmetzer, H. Albert Gilg and Elisabeth Vaupel worth Museum of Geology 378 Practical Gemmology 416 Rethinking Lab Reports for the Geographical Moonstone mystery Origin of Gems By Jack M. Ogden 380 Gem Notes Red beryl matrix cabochons| Gemmological Briefs Ceruleite from Chile|Yellow danburite from Namalulu, 424 Fake Pearls Made from Tridacna gigas Shells Tanzania|Emerald from By Michael S. Krzemnicki and Laurent E. Cartier Ethiopia|Vivid purplish pink fluorite from Illinois, USA| 430 Large 12-Rayed Black Star Sapphire from Sri Lanka Colourless forsterite from with Asterism Caused by Ilmenite Inclusions Vietnam|Sapphire from By Thanh Nhan Bui, Pascal Entremont and Jean-Pierre Gauthier Ambatondrazaka, Madagascar| Colour-change scorodite from 436 Tsumeb, Namibia|Stichtite| Excursions Zoned type IaB/IIa diamond| Mogok, Myanmar: November 2016 Synthetic star ruby 444 Conferences AGA Tucson|GIT|Jewelry Industry Summit Cover Photo: High-quality rubies, sapphires 450 Letters and emeralds are typically ac- companied by geographical origin reports from gemmologi- 451 Gem-A Notices cal laboratories, as discussed on pp.
    [Show full text]
  • Kaersutite Naca2[(Mg; Fe )4Ti](Si6al2)O22(OH)2 C 2001 Mineral Data Publishing, Version 1.2 ° Crystal Data: Monoclinic
    2+ Kaersutite NaCa2[(Mg; Fe )4Ti](Si6Al2)O22(OH)2 c 2001 Mineral Data Publishing, version 1.2 ° Crystal Data: Monoclinic. Point Group: 2=m: Commonly as well-formed phenocrysts with rhombic basal sections; prismatic, to 10 cm; as granular aggregates. Twinning: Simple or multiple twinning 100 . k f g Physical Properties: Cleavage: Perfect on 110 , intersecting at 56± and 124±; partings on 100 , 001 . Tenacity: Brittle. Hardness = 5f{6 gD(meas.) = 3.2{3.28 D(calc.) = [3.11] f g f g Optical Properties: Semitransparent. Color: Dark brown to black, typically zoned; yellow-brown, green-brown, or red-brown in thin section. Luster: Vitreous. Optical Class: Biaxial ({). Pleochroism: Strong; X = yellow, yellow-brown; Y = red, red-brown; Z = deep brown, dark red-brown. Orientation: Y = b; Z c = 0±{19±. Dispersion: r > v: Absorption: Z Y > X. ® = 1.670{1.689 ¯ = 1^.690{1.741 ° = 1.700{1.772 ¸ 2V(meas.) = 66±{82± Cell Data: Space Group: C2=m: a = 9.8903(3) b = 18.0596(5) c = 5.3152(2) ¯ = 105:4(1)± Z = 2 X-ray Powder Pattern: Boulder Dam area, Arizona, USA. (ICDD 17-478). 2.693 (100), 3.11 (80), 8.38 (65), 3.36 (65), 2.548 (65), 2.589 (55), 1.439 (55) Chemistry: (1) (2) (1) (2) SiO2 39.50 39.88 MgO 12.90 14.10 TiO2 10.33 4.69 CaO 10.91 13.05 Al2O3 11.12 14.25 Na2O 3.82 1.86 Fe2O3 0.06 9.58 K2O 1.43 1.80 FeO 9.44 0.10 F 0.14 + MnO 0.10 0.10 H2O 0.59 0.53 Total 100.20 100.08 2+ (1) Qaersut, Greenland; corresponds to (Na1:11K0:28)§=1:39Ca1:76(Mg2:89Fe1:19Ti1:17 3+ Fe0:01Mn0:01)§=5:27(Si5:93Al1:97)§=7:90O22(OH)0:59: (2) Vl·c¶³ Hora, Czech Republic; 3+ by microanalysis, corresponds to (Na0:53K0:41)§=0:94Ca2:06(Mg3:10Fe1:06Ti0:52Al0:34 2+ Fe0:01Mn0:01)§=5:04(Si5:87Al2:13)§=8:00O22[(OH)1:94F0:06]§=2:00: Polymorphism & Series: Forms a series with ferrokaersutite.
    [Show full text]
  • Some Gemological Challenges in Identifying Black Opaque Gem
    By Mary L.Johnson, Shane F, McClure, and Dino G. DeGhionno Among the most difficult gems to identi- ne of the most challenging problems in gemology is that fy are those that are black and opaque (or of determining the identity of a blaclz opaque gem inate- nearly so). In general, any gem material 0rial-hereafter called a "blaclz opaque." Such materials are can be opaque because of inclusions, any a mainstay of the jewelry business, primarily as side stones, dec- black opaque material can be fashioned, orative elements in multi-stone mosaics, and in men's jewelry. and any porous material can be dyed. Treated blaclz chalcedony ("black onyx"), black jade, and Thus, to identify a black opaque materi- al, every possible mineral, and many hematite traditionally have been the black opaques in greatest rocks and manufactured substances, demand. As a variety of quartz, "black onyx" is probably the must be considered. Microscopic appear- most familiar durable black opaque to lapidaries and gem cut- ance, refractive index, specific gravity, ters. Today, it is a popular medium for artistic carvings, many of and other properties (such as magnetism which have been incorporated into fine jewelry (figure 1). or radioactivity) provide useful clues, but In recent years, various materials have been misrepresent- in most cases advanced identification ed as "black onyx" or "black jade" to meet the trade's need for techniques (X-raydiffraction, EDXRF calibrated goods in high-volume markets. Members of the spectroscopy) are necessary, and even trade, in turn, have been sending samples to identification lab- these may not be conclusive.
    [Show full text]
  • Crystal-Chemistry and Short-Range Order Of
    Short-range order in fluoro-amphiboles CRYSTAL-CHEMISTRY AND SHORT-RANGE ORDER OF FLUORO-EDENITE AND FLUORO-PARGASITE: A COMBINED X-RAY DIFFRACTION AND FTIR SPECTROSCOPIC APPROACH 1,2 1,2 GIANCARLO DELLA VENTURA , FABIO BELLATRECCIA , FERNANDO 3 4 CÁMARA AND ROBERTA OBERTI 1) Dipartimento di Scienze, Università di Roma Tre, Largo S. Leonardo Murialdo 1, I-00146 Roma, Italy 2) INFN, Laboratori Nazionali di Frascati, Roma 3) Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra, via Valperga Caluso 35, I-10125 Torino 4) CNR-Istituto di Geoscienze e Georisorse, UOS Pavia, via Ferrata 1, I-27100 Pavia, Italy 1 Short-range order in fluoro-amphiboles ABSTRACT In this study we address the crystal-chemistry of a set of five samples of F-rich amphiboles from the Franklin marble (USA), using a combination of microchemical (EMPA), SREF, and FTIR spectroscopy methods. The EMPA data show that three samples fall into the compositional field of fluoro-edenite (Hawthorne et al., 2012), whereas two samples are enriched in high-charged C cations, and - although very close to the CR3+ boundary - must be classified as fluoro-pargasite. Mg is by far the dominant C cation, Ca is the dominant B cation (with BNa in the range 0.00-0.05 apfu, atoms per formula unit), and Na is the dominant A cation, with A (vacancy) in the range 0.07- 0.21 apfu; WF is in the range 1.18-1.46 apfu. SREF data show that: TAl is completely ordered at the T(1) site; the M(1) site is occupied only by divalent cations (Mg and Fe2+); CAl is disordered between the M(2) and M(3) sites; ANa is ordered at the A(m) site, as expected in F-rich compositions.
    [Show full text]
  • Serendibite from the Northwest Adirondack Lowlands, in Russell, New York, USA
    SHORT COMMUNICATIONS 133 (Me75-83), aluminous diopside, green amphibole, Acknowledgements. This work was supported by con- colourless spinel, large poikilitic blue tourmaline, tracts CNRS-INSU 89 DBT V-11 and DBT 96. and a little calcite. Tourmaline includes several minerals, especially clinopyroxene, spinel, and a References few small crystals of serendibite. Scattered grains of the latter in one crystal of tourmaline are in de Roever, W. F. and Kieft, C. (1976) Am. Mineral. optical continuity, suggesting that tourmaline is 61,332-3. Grew. E. S. (1983) Mineral. Mag. 47,401-3. a breakdown product after serendibite. The ser- -- (1988) Am. Mineral. 73,345-57. endibite is colourless to very light green. The Haslam, H. W. (1980) Mineral. Mag. 43,822-3. mineral is much less coloured than the prussian Huijsmans, J. P. P., Barton, M., and van Bergen, blue crystals in a calcsilicate rock associated with M. J. (1982) NeuesJahrb. Mineral. Abh. 143, 24%61. clintonite clinopyroxenites from Ianapera, in SW Hutcheon, I., Gunter, A. E. and Lecheminant, A. N. Madagascar (Nicollet, 1988, 1990). The Ihosy ser- (1977) Can. Mineral. 15,108-12. endibite has low birefringence and fine polysyn- Lee, S. M. and Holdaway, M. J. (1977) Geophys. thetic twinning. It may be mistaken for Monogr. 20, 7%94. sapphirine, but it is distinguishable from the latter Lonker, S. W. (1988) Contrib. Mineral. Petrol. 98, by a larger extinction angle and by its occurrence 502-16. M6gerlin, N. (1968) C.R. Sere. GOol. Madagascar, 67-9. in calcic rocks. The ferromagnesian minerals in Nicollet, C. (1985) PrOcambr. Res. 28,175-85.
    [Show full text]