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Phosphophyllite

Phosphophyllite

This is among the rarest of gem-stones, and it is highly prized by collectors. The crystals, that are prismatic or having a thick, tabular habit, vary from colourless to deep bluish green, but the very best specimens really are a very delicate bluish green. Nevertheless, phosphophyllite is rarely cut, since the material is brittle and fragile, and large crystals are extremely valuable to become split up.

The best crystals, and the only real ones to become faceted, are from Bolivia. Other localities include Germany and Nh (USA).


Properties
Chemical Composition: 

Hydrated zinc phosphate

Crystal System / Forms: 

Monoclinic

Hardness: 
3.5
Specific Gravity: 

3.10

Lustre: 
Vitreous
Refractive Index / Birefringence: 

1.59-1.62 / 0.021

Geological Occurrence: 

Bolivia, Germany, (New Hampshire) USA.

Cuts & Uses: 

Brilliant, Step cut.

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In Germany, the garland of ambers is hung around the necks of the infants, so that their teeth might come out without much trouble.

In Turkey, people fix a piece of amber in the hubble-bubble, dogged by an age old belief that the presence of the jewel would destroy all the germs and no disease would spread, even after many have dragged their puffs from it.

In Greece, people think if wine is poured into the cups made of amethyst, one does not get drunk after drinking that.

In Rome, a talisman having coral pieces is considered very auspicious to quell the bad spells of evil look. The Romans were in the habit of hanging chains made of ancient coral pieces from the cradle of the infants to protect them from evil effects.

In China, people wear rings studded with tiny conch or oyster shells as they believe it cures all aches such as stomach ache, worms and like.

In India, pendants made of silver and studded with pearls are hung from the necks of the children to save them from any bad effects.

Greeks still believe, if women wear blue sapphires then no sense of immorality would pollute their mind nor can any fear of the supernatural can trouble them.

The Pope Innocent III had circulated an order asking all the priests wear blue sapphire, so that morality can be strengthened.

It is said about turquoise, that when the stone changes its color into yellow, it actually signals bad times to the person who wears it.

It is believed that a turquoise gifted to a friend or a lover turns his or her life into one of happiness and good luck.

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