Sapphirine
Sapphirine
Sapphirine

Sapphirine

€60,00
SKU: A851
Nawatara, Amboasary Sud District, Anosy, Madagascar
We are selling off our stock: Sapphirines of this quality have not been found for several months. The matrix is very hard and often adheres strongly to the crystals, so damage from exposing the crystals or formatting the steps is common. Only rarely do the crystals break away from the matrix undamaged. This sapphirine, with its unusual shape, is somewhat reminiscent of a fried egg. The subsequent removal of the matrix has left traces, particularly on the back.
3.9 x 3.4 x 0.9 cm
20.5 g

Sapphirine is a magnesium-aluminium silicate and is therefore not related to sapphire/corundum. The name was chosen in 1790 by the discoverer of the mineral because of its blue color and hexagonal crystals. Sapphirine is quite hard, brittle (Mohs=7.5) and has a monoclinic crystal structure. In addition to blue tones, greenish or gray/black color nuances also occur.