Spinel is the magnesium–aluminum member of the larger spinel group of minerals with chemical formula MgAl₂O₄. Spinel is actually a large group of minerals. Gahnite, hercynite, ceylonite, picotite, and galaxite are all part of the spinel group. This oxide mineral is a Cubic crystal system with 7.5–8.0 hardness according to the Mohs hardness scale. Spinels […]
Mining on the island of Sri Lanka goes back at least 2000 years. We have our own heritage in the mining arena. Our island is called Gem Island & also “Ratna Dweepa” because of the large variety of gems found here. To visit Sri Lanka is to experience one of the great gem sources and […]
Zircon is a nesosilicates group mineral. Its corresponding chemical formula is ZrSiO4. The name derives from the Persian zargun, meaning “gold-hued”. Zircon is a popular gemstone that has been used for nearly 2000 years. The crystal structure of zircon is tetragonal crystal system with 7.5 hardness according to the Mohs Hardness scale. Zircon is also very resistant to heat and corrosion […]
Lapis lazuli is a deep blue metamorphic ( arise from the transformation of existing rock types) rock used as a semi-precious stone, a mixture of minerals with lazurite as the main constituent. Lazurite is a tectosilicate mineral with sulfate, sulfur, and chloride. Lapis lazuli can be found colors such as Blue, or purple, mottled with white calcite and brassy pyrite. As Physical Properties, It has Uneven and Conchoidal […]
Geuda is a form of the mineral corundum. Geuda is found primarily in Sri Lanka. It’s a semitransparent and milky appearance due to rutile inclusions. Geuda is used to improve its color by heat treatment. Some geuda varieties turn to a blue color after heat treatments and some turn to red after oxidizing. Also, Kowangu pushparaga turns to yellow […]
Zircon is nesosilicates group mineral. Its corresponding chemical formula is ZrSiO4. The name derives from the Persian zargun, meaning “gold-hued”. Zircon is a popular gemstone that has been used for nearly 2000 years. The crystal structure of zircon is a tetragonal crystal system with 7.5 hardness according to the Mohs Hardness scale. Zircon is also very resistant to heat and […]
Andalusite is an aluminium nesosilicate mineral with the chemical formula Al2SiO5. Andalusite is isomorphic with kyanite and sillimanite, being the lower pressure mid-temperature polymorph. Andalusite is a which forms under low pressure and low to high temperatures. The minerals kyanite and sillimanite are polymorphs of andalusite, each occurring under different temperature-pressure regimes. Andalusite is orthorhombic crystal mineral with 6.5 – […]
Natural Indigo Spinel ( Blue Spinel) Spinel is the magnesium aluminium member of the larger spinel group of minerals with chemical formula MgAl₂O₄ This oxide mineral is Cubic crystal system with 7.5–8.0 hardness according to Mohs hardness scale. Spinels Specific Gravity is depending on the composition of chemicals such as Zn-rich spinel can be as […]
Garnets are a group of silicate minerals. All species of garnets possess similar physical properties and crystal forms but differ in chemical composition Such as Pyrope Mg3Al2Si3O12, Almandine Fe3Al2Si3O12, Spessartine Mn3Al2Si3O12, Andradite Ca3Fe2Si3O12, Grossular Ca3Al2Si3O12, Uvarovite Ca3Cr2Si3O12. Most Garnets have a variable magnetic attraction. This characteristic also uses to identify garnet. Pyrope – almandine – […]
Beryl is a mineral composed of beryllium aluminum cyclosilicate with the chemical formula Be₃Al₂Si₆O₁₈. Beryl is hexagonal mineral with 7.5 – 8 hardness according to the more hardness scale. Beryl hexagonal Crystals can be up to several meters in the size. But, Double terminated crystals are very rare to see. Most people know Aquamarine and […]
