Zeiringite

Zeiringite is a variety of aragonite, coloured blue by inclusions of aurichalcite.

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Zeiringit zeiringite

Origin of name: after its first occurrence near Oberzeiring, Styria, Austria

Synonyms and trade names: Styrian turquoise

Can be confused with: calcite and quartz (agate and chalcedony).

Locations: the first location, Oberzeiring, is depleted. Another Austrian location is Egger Alp, Hermagor District, Carinthia. Zeiringite was also found in Greece (Lauvrion), Russia, Spain, Slovakia and the USA.

Handling: Zeiringit is soft and brittle, has good cleavage and is quite sensitive to acid. Great care must be taken when zeiringite is used in jewellery.
Do not clean ultrasonically. Keep away from galvanic baths and all acids and brines.
Because of its low hardness zeiringite scratches easily, so be gentle on the polishing mop.

Worth knowing: in 2015 Oberzeiring, Bretstein, Saint Johann upon Tauern and Saint Oswald-Möderbrugg were merged. The new municipality was named Pölstal.

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Gemmological Properties of Zeiringite

Formula:
Ca[CO3]
Crystal system:
orthorhombic
Mohs hardness:
3.5-4.5
Specific gravity:
2.95
Refractive index:
birefringent 1.529-1.686
Max. Birefringence:
0.156
Dispersion:
weak
Pleochroism:
no data
Luminiscence:
strong fluorescense and phosphorescence
Lustre:
resinous to vitreous
Cleavage:
distinct to good
Fracture:
conchoidal
Colour:
pale blue