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  • Datolite

Datolite

Datolite

By Tim Matthews, JD, FGA, GG, DGA,
CEO and President of JTV
Published: June 2014
Datolite Rough
Table of Contents
  • General Information
  • Datolite Colors
  • Countries of Origin

Datolite is a phyllo-borosilicate commonly forming as nodules in igneous rocks. Facet-grade material rarely yields gems larger than 10 carats, with most being significantly smaller. Colorless, transparent datolite gems can be found in several locations worldwide, but many come from Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Virginia. Copper-stained, opaque nodules from Michigan are typically fashioned into cabochons.

General Information

  • Classification
  • Optical Properties
  • Characteristic Physical Properties
  • Chemistry & Crystallography
Common Name
Datolite
Species
Datolite
Transparency
Transparent - Translucent
Dispersion
Strength: Weak Fire Value: 0.016
Refractive Index
1.626-1.670
Tolerance:-0.004
Birefringence
0.044-0.046
Optic Character
Biaxial
Optic Sign
Negative
Polariscope Reaction
Aggregate (AGG), Doubly Refractive (DR)
Pleochroism
Unobservable
Hardness
5-5.5
Specific Gravity
2.900-3.000 Typical:2.950
Toughness
Fair
Luster
Vitreous
Fracture
Conchoidal, Uneven
Cleavage
None
Chemical Name
Calcium Boron Silicate Hydroxide
Chemical Formula
CaBSiO4(OH)
Crystal System
Monoclinic
Chemistry Classification
Silicate

Datolite Colors

  • Yellow Datolite
    Yellow
  • Gray Datolite
    Gray
  • Colorless Datolite
    Colorless
  • White Datolite
    White
  • Pink Datolite
    Pink
  • Red Datolite
    Red
  • Green Datolite
    Green

Countries of Origin

Unknown; United States of America

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