Danburite is a mineral with a hardness of 7 out of 10 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness [?]. These Orthorhomibicly structured gems are made of calcium borosilicate, their full chemical compound being CaB2(SiO4)2.

Danburite is a silicate of clear, prismatic crystals, with wedge-shaped terminations. It is occasionally pale yellow, a variety of gemstone feldspars group that resembles topaz. It is very hard, heavy, and has a transparent to vitreous to greasy luster. It fuses easily into a colorless glass, coloring the flame green, has a luminescence that is sky blue to pale blue-green, and also shows red thermoluminescence. It is insoluble in acids.

This crystal can be found in fissures and lining Alpine lithoclases, especially as an incrustation on albite. It occurs in granites and in metamorphosed carbonate rocks associated with hydrothermal activity.

Small, clear crystals with many faces are found in Val Medel (Grisons, Switzerland). It is found as a rarity in St. Barthelemy (Val d'Aosta) and in the Monte Cimini (Viterbo, Italy). Larger but not so fine crystals have been found in Mexico (San Luis Potosi), the Soviet Republics, Japan (Obira), Upper Burma, Madagascar, and in Danbury, Connecticut (USA).

Incorrect names given to it include "bemenite" or "bementite." Likewise, the term "danburite" or "danburyite" is a misleading term for light red corundum.

Danburite's Metaphysical Properties: Danburite is used by many who believe it has the power to improve a groups cohesiveness. It may also be used to heal muscles, and improve fine motor skills.

The specific gravity [?] for Danburite is 3, it's refractive index [?] is 163.-1.64, and it's double refraction [?] is 0.006.

History

It derives its name from Danbury, where the first find was located.

Industrial Usages

Danburite is usually of interest only to scientists and collectors, but also used as ornaments and cut as attractive, bright stones. It is sometimes confused with citrine and topaz.

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Terms

Double Refraction or dr is the ability of a mineral to separate a refracted ray of light into 2 rays. If held over an image or text it will display the object 2x its original size.

Mohs Scale of Mineral Hardness is the standard used to categorize a mineral's ability to resist scratching. It gets its name from Friedrich Mohs, the German geologist who first created the scale.

RI or Refractive Index defines light's ability to move through the mineral or in a general sense, any material.

SG or Specific Gravity is the ratio of the weight of any substance to that of pure water at temperature of 3.98°C(39.2°F) and standard atmospheric pressure. This is important to note when actively seeking these minerals in the wild. Minerals with a higher SG will settle below material with a lower sg over time.