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Gaspéite
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| Chemistry: (Ni,Mg,Fe)CO3 | |
| Discovered
in 1966;
IMA
status: Approved 1966 | ||
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Classification |
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Carbonates | |
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5/B.02-80 |
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Crystal Data |
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As aggregates of rhombic crystals, to 0.6 mm; in nodular concretions, commonly compact massive. |
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Physical Properties |
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[1011] Good |
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Uneven |
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Brittle |
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4.5 - 5.0 |
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3.71 (g/cm3) |
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Non-fluorescent |
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Not Radioactive |
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Optical Properties |
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Light Green to Bright Grass Green, Olive Green |
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Translucent to Opaque |
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Vitreous, Dull |
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1.610 - 1.830 Uniaxial ( - ) |
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0.220 |
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n/a |
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n/a |
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Occurances |
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Geological Setting: |
An uncommon secondary mineral in a Ni-sulfide-bearing vein in metamorphosed siliceous dolostone (Gaspe Peninsula, Canada); possibly from alteration of a nickel-rich meteorite (Bon Accord, South Africa). |
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Type Locality: |
Gaspé Peninsula, Lemieux Township, Gaspé-Ouest County, Québec, Canada |
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Year Discovered: |
1966 |
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View mineral photos: | |
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More Information |
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Gaspéite is a rare mineral that belongs to the Calcite group of minerals that includes Calcite, Cobaltocalcite, Magnesite, Rhodochrosite, Siderite, Smithsonite and Spherocobaltite. Gaspéite is being used in the jewelry trade for beads, cabochons, pendants and carvings. Its pale to bright green colors are unique and the material takes a good shine. It has a high nickel content of about 33%. Gaspéite was discovered near Mount Albert, Gaspé Peninsula, Quebec, Canada but currently the main source is near a tiny outback town called Widgiemooltha, north of Perth in Western Australia. It has also been found at Shinshiro, Aichi Prefecture, Japan; on Mabilikwe Hill, Pafuri, South Africa; and the San Benedetto mine, Iglesias district, Sardinia, Italy. |
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Gaspéite gems for sale: We have not photographed the Gaspéite gems. Please check back soon. |
