Diaspore
Diaspore
Published: June 2014
Modified: September 2023
Diaspore is beautiful and exotic in a soft, subtle manner. It is also one of the lesser known of the color-change gemstones. Some of the finest examples of gem quality diaspore are found in Turkey's Anatolian Mountains, but it can be found in numerous places around the globe. A rising star in fine jewelry, it's easy to fall in love with its sparklingly brilliant, tranquil earthy colors.
General Information
Common Name
Diaspore
Species
Diaspore
Transparency
Transparent
Dispersion
Strength: Weak Fire
Refractive Index
1.702-1.750
Birefringence
0.048
Optic Character
Biaxial
Optic Sign
Positive
Polariscope Reaction
Doubly Refractive (DR)
Pleochroism
Dichroic, strong reddish violet to reddish brown or green to grayish green
Hardness
6.5-7
Streak
White
Specific Gravity
3.300-3.390 Range:0.12/-0.18 Typical:3.380
Luster
Vitreous
Fracture
Conchoidal
Cleavage
Perfect, in one direction, Good, in one direction
Chemical Name
aluminum oxide hydroxide
Chemical Formula
AlO(OH)
Crystal System
Orthorhombic
Chemistry Classification
Oxide
Diaspore Colors
-
Brown -
Colorless -
Gray -
Green -
Green -
Pink -
Pink -
White -
Yellow
Alternate Names
Zultanite(R), Csarite
Countries of Origin
Myanmar; Turkey; Unknown; India