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 |
| Crystal class |
Pinacoidal (1) (same H-M symbol) |
| Space group | P1 |
| Identification | |
| Color | pale yellow, blue-green, greyish blue, black |
| 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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