General characterization Tridymite is a rare mineral that forms clusters of three crystals. Hence its name: “tridimos” means “triple” in Greek. The first description of the gem was made by geologist Gerhard von Rath.   In its chemical composition tridymite is identical to quartz – SiO2. That is why this gemstone under the influence of […]

Appearance and properties The name of this stone brings back memories of Tolkien’s Silmarils. However, in reality everything is more prosaic. Sillimanite was named after Benjamin Silliman, a prominent American scientist of the 19th century. Another name – fibrolite (translated as “fibrous stone”) – it received because it is often found in the form of […]

About the mineral Phlogopite is a fairly common and popular mineral in our time, which belongs to the mica group. From Greek “phlogeros” means fiery. Indeed, phlogopite is distinguished by reddish hues that resemble flashes of flame. At the end of the 19th century, Breithaupt introduced this name; now it is found everywhere in scientific […]

General characteristics A rare precious mineral of extraordinary purple color, sagilite stone is of particular value to mineral connoisseurs. The stone received its name in honor of the Japanese mineralogist Kenichi Suga. It was he who first discovered and described a new mineral in 1944. Sugi initially assumed that the specimens he found were purple […]

About the stone Scolecite is a rare, decorative, and very beautiful mineral. Highly valued by collectors and ordinary mineral collectors. It is not widely used in industry. It can often be found in the form of a cabochon. At the beginning of the 19th century it was described by Fuchs and Gehlen. The mineral gets […]

Description Riebeckite is an interesting and unusual silicate mineral belonging to the alkaline amphiboles. The mineral has a complex composition, is a hydrous silicate of magnesium, sodium, iron with the formula Na2(Mg,Fe2+)3Fe3+2×Si8O22(OH)2. Reebeckite also contains impurities of calcium, titanium, manganese, potassium and, occasionally, lithium. Properties: the crystal structure has a monoclinic system and consists of […]

Definition, history of the name The mineral pyrrhotite is quite widespread. The name came to us from the Greek language: “pirrotos” means fiery color. This name was given due to the fact that pyrrhotite and the stones of its group have a characteristic color from yellow-bronze to deep red. The mineral is polymorphic, that is, […]

General characteristics Petalite is a rather rare mineral that has no analogues. It is nothing more than lithium aluminum silicate. The name comes from the Greek language: “petalnos” means leaf. The fact is that petalite has perfect cleavage, due to which it consists of connected thin plates. Upon closer inspection, you can notice its layered […]