By Chisom Ibemere
Arfvedsonite is a rare and beautiful mineral which belongs to the amphibole group and sought after by collectors and healers.
It was discovered initially in the 19th century by Swedish chemist, Johan August Arfwedson, after whom it is named. It is found in various locations across the globe including Russia, Sweden, Norway, Canada, and the United States.
Arfvedsonite is primarily found in igneous rocks, particularly in intrusive igneous rocks like granite. It is found in rock formations that are associated with alkaline igneous activity like carbonatites and nepheline syenites.
These rocks are formed from molten magma that cools deep within the Earth’s crust, allowing time for minerals like arfvedsonite to crystallize.
Arfvedsonite is based used for ornamental purposes and as collectors stone. It is a rare mineral bearing unique color and sought after by collectors and gem enthusiasts.
It is used as a decorative stone in jewelry and carvings. The rich blue-black color and chatoyancy (a cat’s eye effect) displayed by some specimens make them highly desirable for gemstone connoisseurs.
Arfvedsonite is a silicate mineral with a complex chemical composition. Its color ranges from dark grey to blue-black, with a pearly to vitreous luster. It has a prismatic crystal habit and usually displays a columnar or fibrous structure.
Arfvedsonite is characterized by its strong pleochroism, showing different colors when viewed from different angles.
It typically exhibits a blue, green, or brown color when observed under a polarizing microscope. It has a hardness of 5-6 on the Mohs scale, making it relatively durable for use in jewelry.
The value of Arfvedsonite’s is determined by factors such as color, transparency, quality of the crystal, and rarity.
The deep blue-black specimens with a strong chatoyancy effect command higher prices in the market. Larger and well-formed crystals are also more valuable.
The scarcity and uniqueness of arfvedsonite makes it a quite valuable mineral to collectors and those who appreciate its beauty. The market demand and availability of quality specimens influence its overall value.