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Chemistry

The Mineral Amblygonite

Description

Amblygonite is a phosphate mineral that is rather common. It is the main mineral found in lithium and phosphate-rich pegmatites. Although this aspect may be ignored at times, it makes up a large amount of the rock. Amblygonite is readily mistaken for other host rock members such as quartz and albite, as it turns out. Amblygonite has a similar look to these two minerals, notably albite, but it may be distinguished by a flame test for lithium, density, and its strange cleavage.

General Information

CategoryPhosphate minerals
Formula(Li,Na)AlPO4(F, OH)
Crystal systemTriclinic
Crystal classPinacoidal (1)

Physical Properties of Amblygonite

ColourMilk-white, yellow, beige, salmon-pink, pale green, light blue, grey; colorless in transmitted light.
LustreSub-Vitreous, Resinous, Greasy, Pearly
Hardness5½ – 6
Specific Gravity3.04 – 3.11
TransparencyTransparent, Translucent
Streakwhite
TenacityBrittle
FractureIrregular/Uneven, Sub-Conchoidal

History

August Breithaupt discovered and called amblygonite in Saxony, east-central Germany, in 1817. Its name comes from the Greek words “amblys,” which means “blended,” and “goni,” which means “angle.” This is a reference to the mineral’s four cleavage angles. Because amblygonite contains around 10% lithium and phosphorus, it is a frequent source of both lithium and phosphorus. Because it promotes opacity within the glass, amblygonite is utilized in the creation of porcelain enamels and glass tableware. Large transparent, semi-transparent, and translucent crystals can be found, but because amblygonite is so delicate, it is only cut for collectors.

Where is Amblygonite Found? 

Amblygonite may be found in South Dakota’s Keystone, as well as South Africa and Zimbabwe. Transparent amblygonite is mined in numerous countries, including the United States, Australia, Germany, France, and Spain.

It is most commonly found in massive quantities that are white and translucent.

What is Amblygonite Used for? 

Transparent amblygonite is used as a gemstone, however, jewelry featuring this crystal is unusual due to the stone’s softness and inability to resist normal wear and tear. Amblygonite crystals have been known for their medicinal powers, particularly for stress release, due to the high concentration of lithium in this mineral.

Amblygonite is also found in trace concentrations in some pottery glazes. This mineral is especially useful for lithium extraction because it contains up to 10% of the element.

Rarity

Transparent Amblygonite, which is extremely uncommon, has been faceted and used as a gemstone. Brazil and the United States are the principal, albeit intermittent, producers of gem-quality Amblygonite. Amblygonite has also been found in Australia, Burma, France, Germany, Namibia, Norway, and Spain, although not in economically significant amounts. Our amblygonite comes from the Morro Redondo Mine in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais, near Coronel Murta. This gemstone and specimen mine is located on a pegmatite that was discovered in 1991 and measures 400 meters in length with an average thickness of 30 meters. Please note that our gems are historic production and that there has been no significant Amblygonite output from this mine for several years. Aside from its geological rarity and desired color, Amblygonite is a difficult stone to cut, adding to its rarity.

Amblygonite Healing Properties & Powers

Amblygonite offers a variety of therapeutic characteristics and abilities. Because it includes lithium naturally, it can benefit you in a variety of ways, including relieving stress, tension, worry, and anxiety. These yellow stones are among the most effective gemstones for stress relief. Their energy incorporates abilities that will make you feel calmer and more relaxed, and they are quite effective in the treatment of depression. They can help people with attention deficit disorder, popularly known as ADD, and may also benefit those with hyperactivity. They offer good therapeutic characteristics that improve immunity since they are known to enhance the immune system and aid in the treatment of infections and fever. Their vibration is supposed to alleviate headaches, irritable bowel syndrome, as well as stomach and intestinal issues. It may also aid in the healing of bone diseases and the repair of damaged bones.

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