triclinic Simulant turquoise simulant
Gilson Turquoise (Cabochon)
Formula CuAl6(PO4)4(OH)8*4H2O
Crystal Structure
#! Species: Gilson Turquoise
#! System: Triclinic (-1)
#! Habit: Triclinic pinacoidal crystal habit
triclinic[-1]:{010}@1.0 + {001}@0.9 + {110}@0.7
triclinic
-1
{010} {001} {110}
Quick Facts
Hardness
5.0
Specific Gravity
2.4
Refractive Index
1.6
Optical Character
Biaxial +
Physical Properties
- Crystal System
- triclinic
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 5.0
- Specific Gravity
- 2.4
- Lustre
- Waxy to dull
Optical Properties
- Refractive Index
- 1.6
- Birefringence
- 0.04
- Optical Character
- Biaxial +
- Fluorescence
- Inert to weak greenish
Origin & Identification
- Origin
- Simulant
- Growth Method
- Gilson
- Manufacturer
- Gilson
- First Produced
- 1972
- Diagnostic Features
- More porous than natural, lower SG (2.4 vs 2.6-2.8), distinctive blue appearance under magnification (lacks natural matrix patterns), may absorb dye unevenly, spiderweb pattern may appear too regular
Characteristics
Colours
BlueGreenish-bluewith optional dark matrix
Common Inclusions
Regular porosity patternAbsence of natural matrix
Natural Counterpart
The natural gem this simulant imitates
Related Minerals
Other minerals in the triclinic system
