Properties
Mineral group: Diaspore
Chemistry: AlO(OH)
Color: White, pink, yellow, bluish, green, red
Crystal system:Orthorombic
Mohs Scale hardness: 6.5-7
Refractive index: 1.702-1.750
Birefringence: 0.048
Specific gravity: 3.30-3.39
Information
Can be mistaken for
Other colour changing gemstones such as different garnets. Scapolite, feldspar
Treatments
There are no treatments
Instruments for ID
The hardness and colour changing habit of Diaspore can distinguish from other gemstones. Therefore a calcite dicroscope can be useful. Refractive measurments is useful.
Deposits
The only known commercially viable deposite of Diaspore is the Bauxite near Pinarcik, in Mugla, Turkey
Miscellaneous
Diaspore was first discovered 1801, but it wasn't faceted for gemstone use until the 1970's. Since 2006 this mineral has been mined specifically for gemstone use. Though Diaspore is found in several deposites throughout the world, the only source of gemstone quality material is a Bauxite deposit in the Anatolian Mountains of central Turkey. The producing company erlier called this gem Zultanite but it is now change to diaspore since 2012.
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Diaspore in Healing (source: ChatGPT)
Diaspore is a relatively uncommon gemstone composed of aluminum oxide (AlO(OH)) and has some unique properties that can be linked to its use in healing and spiritual practices.
Read/Learn more about Diaspore - Healing Properties
