mineral
White Sapphire
Corundum (Al2O3)
Hardness: 9 on Mohs scale; Color: Colorless (white); Luster: Adamantine to Vitreous; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Specific Gravity: 3.95-4.03.
- Hardness
- 9 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Colorless (white)
- Luster
- Adamantine to Vitreous
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Physical properties
Hardness: 9 on Mohs scale; Color: Colorless (white); Luster: Adamantine to Vitreous; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Specific Gravity: 3.95-4.03.
Formation & geological history
Formed in metamorphic rocks seperti marble or gneiss, and igneous rocks like syenite. Common in alluvial gravel deposits (illama) in Sri Lanka.
Uses & applications
Primarily used in jewelry as a diamond alternative; also used in industrial applications requiring high scratch resistance like watch crystals and optical instruments.
Geological facts
The location provided (6.7°N, 80.4°E) is near Ratnapura, Sri Lanka, famously known as the 'City of Gems'. Sri Lanka is world-renowned for high-quality corundum including sapphires.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its extreme hardness (scratches glass/topaz) and high density. In Ratnapura, it is found in the 'illam' layer of gravel. Faceted specimens show high brilliance but less fire than diamond.
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Mineral/Rock
Banded Gneiss (River Rock/Pebble)
Gneiss (specifically a banded variety often found as a river rock)
Metamorphic Rock
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Green Apatite on Albite
Fluorapatite [Ca5(PO4)3F] on Albite [Na(AlSi3O8)]
mineral