Phenakite
Revision as of 06:12, 24 July 2013 by (username removed)
Description
A rare, highly refractive, beryllium silicate mineral that has been used as a gemstone. Phenakite occurs in the Ural Mountains, Norway (Kragerø), Brazil (Miguel de Piricicaba) and the U.S. (Colorado, Virginia). Phenakite can be colorless, pale yellow, pink or brown.
Synonyms and Related Terms
phenacite; beryllium silicate
Other Properties
Hexagonal systems with flat rhombohedral or long prismatic crystals. Good cleavage in one direction. Fracture = conchoidal to uneven. Luster = vitreous. Streak = colorless. Translucent to transparent.
| Composition | Be2SiO4 |
|---|---|
| Mohs Hardness | 7.5 - 8.0 |
| Density | 2.97-3.00 |
| Refractive Index | 1.654-1.670 |
Additional Information
Mineralogy Database: Phenakite