-
Uses of Charoite
Rocks containing abundant charoite with a pleasing color and interesting pattern are often cut into gems or used as an ornamental stone. Charoite cabochons, beads, tumbled stones and other items made of high-quality material can sell for high prices. Charoite is also used to make small sculptures and small utilitarian items that include vases, spheres, goblets, desk…
-
Charoitite
Charoite is only known from rocks that are either charoite-rich or charoite-dominated. The name used for these rocks is “charoitite”. [5] Most people in the gem and lapidary trades simply refer to them as “charoite” and may not suspect that they are a rock which contains a variety of rare minerals. Charoitite is a contact…
-
Uses of Silver in Chemical Production
Silver acts as a catalyst to produce two important chemicals: ethylene oxide and formaldehyde. Ethylene oxide is used to produce molded plastics, such as plastic handles, and flexible plastics, such as polyester. It is also a major ingredient in antifreeze. Formaldehyde is used to make solid plastics and resins and as a protective coating. It…
-
Charoite’s Chemical Composition
Charoite is a complex silicate mineral. Published chemical compositions are in disagreement. We checked numerous references, and each one presented a different composition. The compositions reported below are from the Glossary of Geology [3], Mineralogical Magazine [4], and Mindat.org [1].(K,Na)5(Ca,Ba,Sr)8Si8O46(OH,F)·nH2O [3](K,Sr,Ba,Mn)15-16(Ca,Na)32[Si70(O,OH)180] (OH,F)4·nH2O [4](K,Sr)15-16(Ca,Na)32[Si6O11(O,OH)6]2 [Si12O18(O,OH)12]2[Si17O25(O,OH)18]2 (OH,F)4·~3H2O [1] Determining a composition for this mineral might be difficult for two reasons: 1) well-formed…
-
Uses of Silver in Brazing and Soldering
Brazing and soldering make use of silver’s high tensile strength and ductility to create joints between two metal pieces. Brazing takes place at temperatures above 600°C, while soldering takes place at temperatures below 600°C. Silver scrap can be used in brazing and soldering because these processes do not require very pure silver. Brazing and soldering…
-
Geologic Occurrence
The charoitite of the Sirenevy Kamen (“purple stone”) deposit of eastern Siberia is thought to have formed when an alkali syenite intrusion encountered a dolomite containing a significant amount of terrigenous clastic sediment. The result was a complex geochemical environment of hydrothermal metasomatism. Mineral-rich fluids permeated the dolomite and surrounding rocks, forming charoite and a variety of…
-
Uses of Silver in Energy
As mentioned previously, silver paste is used to make solar panels. Silver paste contacts printed onto photovoltaic cells capture and carry electrical current. This current is produced when energy from the sun impacts the semiconducting layer of the cell. Photovoltaic cells are one of the fastest growing uses of silver. Silver’s reflectivity gives it another…
-
What is Charoite?
Charoite is the name of a purple to violet silicate mineral with a striking appearance. Its vibrant purple color grabs a person’s attention. Then, upon closer examination, the viewer discovers interesting banding, swirls, scales, or radial and parallel habits. Many rocks that contain abundant charoite will accept a beautiful polish. As a result, high-quality pieces of charoite can be cut into…
-
Vanadinite Composition and Solid Solution
Although the ideal composition for vanadinite is Pb5(VO4)3Cl, phosphorus and arsenic often substitute for vanadium in the mineral’s crystal lattice. This results in a wide range of compositions which influence the specific gravity, color, and other properties. A solid solution series exists between vanadinite and and mimetite Pb5(AsO4)3Cl. Small amounts of calcium, zinc and copper…
-
Geologic Occurrence of Vanadinite
Vanadinite is almost always a secondary mineral that forms in the oxidized zone above lead deposits. It is often found in oxidized veins containing primary and secondary minerals of lead. It is commonly associated with the oxidation of galena. The vanadium and chlorine are usually leached from the overburden by downward-moving waters. Vanadinite deposits are usually…