igneous
Indigo Gabbro
Gabbro (composed of plagioclase feldspar, pyroxene, and olivine)
Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale. Color: Mottled black, grey, and violet-blue. Luster: Vitreous when polished. Crystal structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained). Specific gravity: 2.7-3.3.
- Hardness
- 6-7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Mottled black, grey, and violet-blue
- Luster
- Vitreous when polished
Identified More igneous →
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale. Color: Mottled black, grey, and violet-blue. Luster: Vitreous when polished. Crystal structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained). Specific gravity: 2.7-3.3.
Formation & geological history
Formed via the slow cooling of magnesium-rich and iron-rich magma deep beneath the Earth's crust. It is a coarse-grained, intrusive igneous rock similar in composition to basalt but crystallized at depth.
Uses & applications
Commonly used as a decorative stone, palm stone for meditation, or in jewelry. In industry, crushed gabbro is used in road construction and railroad ballast.
Geological facts
Often marketed under the trade name 'Mystic Merlinite' in metaphysical circles, though geologically it is a standard gabbro. It is valued for its unique blotchy patterns created by the interlocking mineral crystals.
Field identification & locations
Identifiable by its coarse dark mineral grains and high density. Found primarily in Madagascar, though gabbro is present worldwide in various geological shields and oceanic crust exposures.
