The Mineral gaspeite

Gaspeite is a rare mineral, with a distinct yellowish-apple-green to bright green color. It has recently become popular among both mineral and gemstone collectors. Gaspeite specimens may be polished or sliced into slabs when sold on the market. It usually has brownish veins of rock running through the mineral, which are pronounced in cut or polished specimens.

Gaspeite belongs to the calcite group of minerals, a group of related carbonates that are isomorphous with one another. They are similar in many physical properties, and may partially or fully replace one another, forming a solid solution series. All members of the calcite group crystallize in the trigonal system, have perfect rhombohedral cleavage, and exhibit strong double refraction in transparent rhombohedrons.

Chemical Formula	(Ni,Mg,Fe)CO₃
Composition	Carbonate of nickel, magnesium and iron
Color	Pale green, apple-green, yellowish-green, bright green
Streak	Yellow-green
Hardness	4.5 - 5
Crystal System	Hexagonal
Crystal Forms and Aggregates	Rhombohedrons, as well as compact groups of scalenohedrons occur, although rarely. Mostly occurs as crusts, botryoidal, and as ball shaped aggregates.
Transparency	Transparent to translucent
Specific Gravity	3.7
Luster	Vitreous to dull
Cleavage	1,3 - rhombohedral
Fracture	Uneven
Tenacity	Brittle
Complex Tests	Effervesces in hydrochloric acid
In Group	Carbonates; Calcite Group
Striking Features	Distinct color and mode of occurrence in nickel deposits
Environment	In the oxidation zone of nickel deposits.
Rock Type	Metamorphic
Popularity (1-4)	2
Prevalence (1-3)	3
Demand (1-3)	1

Gaspeite AUCTIONS

USES

Gaspeite is a minor gemstone and is cut into cabochons and beads for jewelry.

NOTEWORTHY LOCALITIES

Gaspeite is a rare mineral with few notable occurrences. It is named after its original occurrence in the Gaspé Peninsula of Quebec, Canada, where it is found in the Gaspé mine, Murdochville. It is found in Australia in Kambalda and Widgiemooltha, Western Australia; in Lavrion, Greece; the San Benedetto Mine, Iglesias, Sardinia, Italy; and in the Pafuri nickel deposit, Limpopo Province, South Africa.

COMMON MINERAL ASSOCIATIONS

Magnesite, Dolomite, Annabergite, Serpentine, Annabergite, Millerite

DISTINGUISHING SIMILAR MINERALS

Distinct color and mode of occurence in nickel deposits

gaspeite PHOTOS