Chemistry:Musgravite

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Musgravite
Musgravit-G-EmpireTheWorldOfGems.jpg
Musgravite from Sri Lanka
General
CategoryOxide minerals
Formula
(repeating unit)
(Mg,Fe,Zn)2BeAl6O12
Strunz classification04.FC.25
Crystal systemTrigonal
Identification
ColorGrey green to green
FractureConchoidal
Mohs scale hardness8–8.5
|re|er}}Vitreous
DiaphaneityTransparent
Specific gravity3.62–3.68
Optical propertiesUniaxial
Refractive indexnω = 1.739, nε = 1.735
Birefringenceδ = 0.014 to 0.016
References[1][2]

Musgravite or magnesiotaaffeite-6N’3S is a rare oxide mineral used as a gemstone. Its type locality is the Ernabella Mission, Musgrave Ranges, South Australia, for which it was named following its discovery in 1967.[2] It is a member of the taaffeite family of minerals,[2][1] and its chemical formula is Be(Mg, Fe, Zn)2Al6O12. Its hardness is 8 to 8.5 on the Mohs scale.[2] Due to its rarity, the mineral can sell for roughly USD$35,000 per carat.

See also

References