4.1" Hyalite Opal on Orthoclase Crystals and Schorl - Namibia

This is a beautiful cluster of well-formed orthoclase feldspar crystals that formed in association with black tourmaline (schorl), collected from the Erongo Mountains in Namibia. Some hyalite opal can be found coating a portion of this specimen along one edge. Under shortwave ultraviolet light, the opal exhibits a vibrant green fluorescence.

Comes with an acrylic display stand.

Orthoclase is a feldspar mineral with the chemical formula KAlSi₃O₈ and a hardness of 6 - 6.5 on the Mohs hardness scale. It is considered a key component in many igneous rock formations and is one of the most abundant minerals throughout the continental crust. It can form individual crystals, but it is most commonly known for its pink coloration within granite rock. It has many commercial uses, including application in the production of a wide variety of ceramics, and is sometimes used in the manufacturing of glass.

Schorl, also known as "black tourmaline" or "black schorl", is a black form of tourmaline that often occurs as lustrous prismatic crystals. The crystals can be stubby or elongated and typically feature lengthwise striations. Many schorl crystals have flattened pyramidal terminations. They can also form in radiating, columnar, and stalactitic aggregations, as well as small, needle-like inclusions within quartz (tourmalinated quartz) and in massive form.

Schorl is a basic sodium iron aluminum boro-silicate with the generic chemical formula NaFe2 + 3Al6(BO3)3Si6O18(OH)4 . It has been used for everything from jewelry to piezoelectric guitar pickups.


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DETAILS
SPECIES
Opal var. Hyalite, Orthoclase Feldspar & Tourmaline var. Schorl
LOCATION
Erongo Mountains, Namibia
SIZE
4.1 x 3.45"
CATEGORY
SUB CATEGORY
ITEM
#337071