Chemistry:Sinhalite

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Short description: Borate mineral


Sinhalite
Sinhalite-656999.jpg
General
CategoryMineral
Crystal systemOrthorhombic
Identification
ColorWhite, gray, grayish-blue, pale to dark brown, yellow, yellowish-brown, greenish-brown, green, brownish-pink, pale pink
Crystal habitGrains, rolled pebbles, irregular masses. Rarely euhedral crystals.
CleavageNone
FractureConchoidal
Mohs scale hardness6 12-7
StreakWhite
DiaphaneityTransparent, translucent
Specific gravity3.46 to 3.50
Density3.475-3.5
Optical propertiesBiaxial (-)
Refractive index1.665 to 1.712
Birefringence0.036 to 0.042
PleochroismTrichroism: green, light brown, dark brown
2V angle56°
Dispersion0.018
Ultraviolet fluorescenceNone

Sinhalite is a borate mineral with formula MgAl(BO4).[2]

Sinhalite was first found in Sri Lanka (Ceylon) in 1952, and was named from Sinhala - the Sanskrit name for Sri Lanka.[3]

Gemstone quality Sinhalite can also be found in Madagascar, Tanzania and Myanmar (Burma). The most commonly seen color of Sinhalite are white to gray, grayish-blue or a shade of brown ranging from pale to dark. Pale pink and brownish pink crystals can be found in Tanzania.

References

  1. Warr, L.N. (2021). "IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols". Mineralogical Magazine 85 (3): 291–320. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43. Bibcode2021MinM...85..291W. 
  2. "Sinhalite". Mindat.org. https://www.mindat.org/min-3672.html. 
  3. "Sinhalite gemstone information". https://www.gemdat.org/gem-3672.html. Retrieved 21 March 2019.