Where is Black Spinel found?
Spinel
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Open the appBlack Spinel occurs in specific geological environments. Knowing where to look, and in what kind of rock, is the difference between going home empty-handed and finding a great specimen.
Where to find Black Spinel
Sri Lanka
Known for producing high-quality spinel, including black varieties, often found in alluvial deposits.
Myanmar (Burma)
A historically significant source of various spinel colors, including black, from both primary and secondary deposits.
Thailand
Produces black spinel, particularly from gem gravels.
Vietnam
Emerging source of various gem-quality spinels, including black.
Madagascar
Known for a wide range of minerals, including black spinel, found in metamorphic and alluvial settings.
Tanzania
Produces black spinel, often associated with other gem minerals.
Afghanistan
Historical source of spinel, including darker varieties.
Brazil
Some occurrences of black spinel have been reported.
Collecting tips
- Check for Crystal Habit. Look for well-formed octahedral crystals, which are characteristic of spinel. These can be found in host rock or as loose crystals in alluvial deposits.
- Hardness Test (Caution). Spinel is hard (8 on Mohs scale). It will scratch glass and most common minerals. Use a known mineral of similar hardness for comparison, or a streak plate (though black spinel will leave no streak).
- Specific Gravity. Black spinel has a relatively high specific gravity (3.5-4.1). In placer deposits, it will concentrate with other heavy minerals.
- Associated Minerals. In metamorphic environments, look for black spinel alongside minerals like calcite, dolomite, phlogopite, chondrodite, and graphite. In igneous settings, it may be found with olivine, pyroxene, and plagioclase.
- Placer Deposits. In areas known for gem production, search riverbeds and alluvial fans where heavy minerals like spinel accumulate due to weathering and erosion of primary sources.
Quick Check
- Color:
- Opaque black
- Luster:
- Vitreous to sub-adamantine
- Streak:
- Colorless to grey (on an unglazed porcelain streak plate)
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