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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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Uses of Silver in Electronics
The number one use of silver in industry is in electronics. Silver’s unsurpassed thermal and electrical conductivity among metals means it cannot easily be replaced by less expensive materials. For example, small quantities of silver are used as contacts in electrical switches: join the contacts, and the switch is on; separate them and the switch…
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The White Metal
Silver, the white metal, has an illustrious reputation for its use in jewelry and coins, but today, silver’s primary use is industrial. Whether in cell phones or solar panels, new innovations are constantly emerging to take advantage of silver’s unique properties. Silver is a precious metal because it is rare and valuable, and it is a…
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Physical Properties of Vanadinite
Vanadinite has a number of properties which, when considered together, usually make it easy to identify. It often occurs as brightly colored crystals that are usually short, tabular hexagonal prisms with a resinous to adamantine luster. It is most often bright yellow, orange, red or brown in color. It can also occur in globular forms and…
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What is Vanadinite?
Vanadinite is a mineral composed of vanadium, lead, oxygen, and chlorine. It has a chemical composition of Pb5(VO4)3Cl. It is an important ore of vanadium and a minor source of lead. Vanadinite usually forms where lead minerals are oxidized, often in areas with an arid climate. It is not a common mineral, but it is found in small quantities…
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Blue Kyanite – Green Kyanite
Most gemstone-quality kyanite is blue in color. However, kyanite can be clear, green, black, and rarely purple. Some kyanite gemstones are pleochroic (appear to be different colors when viewed from different directions). Blue kyanite stones can be found in a continuous color range between clear and dark blue. The most popular kyanite gemstones are transparent…