Rock Identifier
Tiffany Stone (Fluorite Opal (a complex mix of Fluorite, Opal, Calcite, Dolomite, Quartz, and Bertrandite)) — mineral
mineral

Tiffany Stone

Fluorite Opal (a complex mix of Fluorite, Opal, Calcite, Dolomite, Quartz, and Bertrandite)

Hardness: 4 to 7 (variable due to mineral mix); Color: Purple, lavender, cream, and mustard yellow; Luster: Vitreous to waxy; Crystal structure: Amorphous/Massive; Specific Gravity: 2.1 to 2.6

Hardness
4 to 7 (variable due to mineral mix)
Color
Purple, lavender, cream, and mustard yellow
Luster
Vitreous to waxy
Identified More mineral →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App StoreGoogle Play

Physical properties

Hardness: 4 to 7 (variable due to mineral mix); Color: Purple, lavender, cream, and mustard yellow; Luster: Vitreous to waxy; Crystal structure: Amorphous/Massive; Specific Gravity: 2.1 to 2.6

Formation & geological history

Formed from volcanic ash deposits and hydrothermal fluids carrying beryllium and fluorine, which mineralized into nodules within limestone host rock. Primarily Cretaceous period in age.

Uses & applications

Predominantly used for lapidary work, making jewelry (cabochons), and as a collector's specimen. Historically mined for beryllium extraction.

Geological facts

Also known as 'Opalized Fluorite' or 'Ice Cream Opal,' it is one of the rarest stones in the world because it is found almost exclusively in one location: the Brush Wellman Beryllium Mine in Utah, USA.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its distinctive purple and yellow 'swirled' pattern and conchoidal fracture. Collectors should look for patterns that resemble stained glass. Collecting at the primary site is strictly restricted.

More like this

Other mineral specimens

Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions) (Arenite (SiO2 based)) — sedimentary

Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

sedimentary
Schist (Schist) — Metamorphic

Schist

Schist

Metamorphic
Epidote (Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)) — metamorphic

Epidote

Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)

metamorphic
Nephrite Jade (Nephrite) — Mineral/Rock

Nephrite Jade

Nephrite

Mineral/Rock
Banded Gneiss (River Rock/Pebble) (Gneiss (specifically a banded variety often found as a river rock)) — Metamorphic Rock

Banded Gneiss (River Rock/Pebble)

Gneiss (specifically a banded variety often found as a river rock)

Metamorphic Rock
Green Apatite on Albite (Fluorapatite [Ca5(PO4)3F] on Albite [Na(AlSi3O8)]) — mineral

Green Apatite on Albite

Fluorapatite [Ca5(PO4)3F] on Albite [Na(AlSi3O8)]

mineral