Difference between revisions of "Hauyne"

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Haüyne, in the Eifel Mountains, formed in a magma chamber, with other minerals which include plagioclase, sanidine, nosean, nepheline, leucite, apatite, olivine and in association other alkaline volcanic rocks, mainly phonolites.
 
Haüyne, in the Eifel Mountains, formed in a magma chamber, with other minerals which include plagioclase, sanidine, nosean, nepheline, leucite, apatite, olivine and in association other alkaline volcanic rocks, mainly phonolites.
 
It is thought that this eruption occurred 12,900 years ago (geologically a wink of the eye) in three layers. Haüyne occurs in all three layers.  The area is commercially mined for pumice and basalt. Hauyne can be collected in these quarries during the weekends.<br />
 
It is thought that this eruption occurred 12,900 years ago (geologically a wink of the eye) in three layers. Haüyne occurs in all three layers.  The area is commercially mined for pumice and basalt. Hauyne can be collected in these quarries during the weekends.<br />
[[Image:Hauyne_xls.jpg|left|thumbnail|400px|Hauyne Crystals]]
+
[[Image:Hauyne_xls.jpg|left|thumbnail|400px|Hauyne Crystals]]<br clear="left"/>
 +
===Additional Information===
 +
[http://www.gia.edu/research-resources/gia-gem-database/hauyne-35406.pdf Dr. Edward Gübelin Collection: Hauyne]

Latest revision as of 13:02, 18 March 2012

Hauyne
Chemical composition Complex silicate
Crystal system Cubic
Habit Dodecahedral
Cleavage Poor
Hardness 5.5 - 6
Optic nature Isotropic
Refractive index 1.494 - 1.509
Birefringence None
Specific gravity 2.44 - 2.50
Lustre Vitreous to greasy
Faceted hauyne, 0.26ct
Small faceted Hauyne
Eifel District of Germany
Photo courtesy of Barbra Voltaire


Haüyne (pronounced "how-een") is an extremely rare mineral and even rarer gemstone. It was first described, mineralogically in 1807 by René Hauy from who it derived its name. Examples of haüyne are found in association with alkaline volcanic rocks that are primarily located in the in the vicinity of Laacher See Eifel Mountain district of Germany. The highest prized specimens of Haüyne found in this locality are of an unusual vibrant blue color. Lighter blue to greenish blue colors are found as well. Gem quality material has not been reported from other localities.

Hauyne's spectrum is diagnostic in the darker blue specimens with a full absorption of the red to green.
Hauyneqy2.jpg

The lighter specimens fluoresce an intense orangy pink under LWUV.

Note the inert stone on the right which is a slightly darker blue hauyne

Geology

Haüyne, in the Eifel Mountains, formed in a magma chamber, with other minerals which include plagioclase, sanidine, nosean, nepheline, leucite, apatite, olivine and in association other alkaline volcanic rocks, mainly phonolites. It is thought that this eruption occurred 12,900 years ago (geologically a wink of the eye) in three layers. Haüyne occurs in all three layers. The area is commercially mined for pumice and basalt. Hauyne can be collected in these quarries during the weekends.

Hauyne Crystals

Additional Information

Dr. Edward Gübelin Collection: Hauyne