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Posted: Oct 06, 2019 03:23 Post subject: Re: Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines 2019
SULFOSALT MINERAL SPECIES
Bournonite PbCuSbS3 is a sulfosalt mineral species, thioantimonide of lead and copper.
Bournonite is usually twinned to give some crosses or yet gear wheels.
Pyrargyrite is a sulfosalt mineral consisting of silver sulfoantimonide, Ag3SbS3 known also as dark red silver ore.
Pyrargyrite is isomorphous with the corresponding sulfoarsenide known as proustite or light red silver ore.
The prefix thio-, when applied to a chemical, such as an ion, means that an oxygen atom in the compound has been replaced by a sulfur atom. (Greek root).
The prefix sulfo is similar (latin root).
04-Bournonite-40280_R.jpg
Mineral:
Bournonite
Locality:
Florence Mine, Les Malines mining district, Saint-Laurent-le-Minier, Le Vigan, Gard Department, Occitanie, France
Posted: Oct 06, 2019 06:59 Post subject: Re: Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines 2019
TSAVORITE versus EMERALD
Tsavorite is a chromiferous and vanadiferous variety of the grossular garnet of formula Ca3Al2 (SiO4)3.
Like the green emerald, tsavorite is green too, but warmer green, with a touch of yellow. But yet the beautiful emerald sometimes has, at the bottom end, some big flaws. On the one hand it is brittle, but it can be garnished with whitish gardens sometimes too important, altering its hue.
What are the qualities of tsavorite? It is a garnet, so it has about the same hardness as the emerald, but its tenacity is superior. It therefore has excellent mechanical qualities. As for its color? It seduces too. Its slightly gilded green color sometimes has deep and saturated hues. They delight the eye. The color can be "electric". It becomes a real killer. However, its dimensions are often limited. It has other advantages such as clarity and absence of cleavages. Unlike the emerald which does not get smaller in size because of its low tenacity, tsavorite allows this size which is currently very popular in modern jewelry.
Tsavorite also has for it, the spices of novelty and originality. Its gems do not require all the treatments of ordinary emeralds.
Emerald is not relatively uncommon, unlike tsavorite. The jewelery industry is calling for a steady supply of gems. The tsavorite trade can only be successfully supported if constant availability is ensured. This is not the case currently, despite the many qualities of this new gem. The synthesis could remedy this situation.
It's my opinion…
06-Tsavorite_40205-bis_R.jpg
Mineral:
Tsavorite
Locality:
Merelani Hills, Lelatema Mountains, Simanjiro District, Manyara Region, Tanzania
Joined: 11 Sep 2013
Posts: 944
Location: Paris Area
Posted: Oct 06, 2019 08:11 Post subject: Re: Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines 2019
Roger Warin wrote:
TSAVORITE versus EMERALD
Tsavorite is a chromiferous and vanadiferous variety of the grossular garnet of formula Ca3Al2 (SiO4)3.
Like the green emerald, tsavorite is green too, but warmer green, with a touch of yellow. But yet the beautiful emerald sometimes has, at the bottom end, some big flaws. On the one hand it is brittle, but it can be garnished with whitish gardens sometimes too important, altering its hue.
What are the qualities of tsavorite? It is a garnet, so it has about the same hardness as the emerald, but its tenacity is superior. It therefore has excellent mechanical qualities. As for its color? It seduces too. Its slightly gilded green color sometimes has deep and saturated hues. They delight the eye. The color can be "electric". It becomes a real killer. However, its dimensions are often limited. It has other advantages such as clarity and absence of cleavages. Unlike the emerald which does not get smaller in size because of its low tenacity, tsavorite allows this size which is currently very popular in modern jewelry.
Tsavorite also has for it, the spices of novelty and originality. Its gems do not require all the treatments of ordinary emeralds.
Emerald is not relatively uncommon, unlike tsavorite. The jewelery industry is calling for a steady supply of gems. The tsavorite trade can only be successfully supported if constant availability is ensured. This is not the case currently, despite the many qualities of this new gem. The synthesis could remedy this situation.
It's my opinion…
Good reminder Roger.
There has been a long-time debate over Emerald vs.Tsavorite in the colored stones business.
In my opinion Tsavorite is underrated mainly for 2 reasons
1) Rarity - There is only one source of significant production (Tanzania & Kenya). Tsavorite production is erratic and is a tiny fraction of the cumulative emerald production of Colombia, Zambia, and Brazil.
2) Size - Faceted Tsavorite is rarely found above 2ct
Speaking about colors and hues, although Tsavorite often displays a striking warm green color (rough & faceted material), it has a limited range within the green hue spectrum unlike emeralds.
Posted: Mar 22, 2020 21:02 Post subject: Re: Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines 2019
Hello all FMF friends. Sorry for the late post but I'm just getting caught up on everything.
I know that this is a very tough time for many of us. However, in this time of self-isolation to help prevent the spread of the new coronavirus, we all need to do our part in keeping ourselves safe as well as others.
Therefore, to help the hours, days and weeks pass, we here at BlueCap Productions want to help out as much as possible.
To that end, we've released the entire program of What's Hot In Ste.Marie: 2019 onto YouTube for everyone to enjoy.
Please enjoy the show, spread the word and, most importantly, KEEP SAFE.
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