metamorphic
Nuummite
Nuummite (Orthorhombic amphiboles: Anthophyllite and Gedrite)
Hardness: 5.5-6.0; Color: Charcoal black to brown with iridescent 'flashes' of gold, copper, blue, or green; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal Structure: Orthorhombic; Cleavage: Good in two directions; Specific Gravity: 2.85-3.57.
- Hardness
- 5
- Luster
- Vitreous
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Physical properties
Hardness: 5.5-6.0; Color: Charcoal black to brown with iridescent 'flashes' of gold, copper, blue, or green; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal Structure: Orthorhombic; Cleavage: Good in two directions; Specific Gravity: 2.85-3.57.
Formation & geological history
Formed through high-grade metamorphism over 3 billion years ago (Archean age), making it one of the oldest rocks on Earth. It is a volcanic metamorphic rock found in cordierite-anthophyllite gneiss.
Uses & applications
Primarily used in jewelry (cabs, beads), as ornamental spheres, and as a highly sought-after specimen for crystal collectors and metaphysical practitioners.
Geological facts
Commonly referred to as the 'Sorcerer's Stone,' it was first discovered in 1982 in the Nuuk region of Greenland. It is distinct for its 'Schiller' effect, which is the play of colors caused by the interference of light within different layers of the mineral.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by searching for dark, dense metamorphic outcrops with needle-like or bladed crystals that show labradorescence-like flashes. It is almost exclusively found in the Nuuk region of Greenland, though similar material exists in Norway and Canada.
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