Danburite
Phenomenal & Rare Gems
Danburite is an orthorhombic calcium boron silicate that commonly forms prismatic crystals. Transparent material is usually colorless or pale yellow to yellow-brown, with a glassy luster, poor cleavage, strong light dispersion, and hardness of 7 to 7.5.
Identity
- Material or variety
- Danburite
- Scientific or material identity
- Danburite
- Classification
- Natural mineral or mineral variety
- Composition or formula
- CaB₂(SiO₄)₂
- Crystal system or structure
- Orthorhombic
- Geological or manufacturing origin
- Can form in more than one geological environment, or combines several materials.
- Mohs hardness
- 7
Origins
Japan · Madagascar · Mexico · Myanmar · USA
Appearance & optical properties
clear-to-pale champagne danburite.
History & discovery
Charles Upham Shepard first described the mineral in 1839 from Danbury, Connecticut, and named it after the town. The original outcrop has since been lost, but Danbury remains the type locality recorded for the species.
Uses & care
- Common uses
- Clear crystals are faceted for rings, pendants, and other jewelry, while well-formed transparent or pale-yellow prisms are kept as mineral specimens.
- Handling and cleaning
- Although fairly hard, danburite is brittle. Protect cut stones and crystal points from sharp blows, and clean gently with a soft damp cloth or mild soapy water.
Jewellery
5 pieces of Danburite jewellery. Learners earn each one in DigMyGem by learning words; until then it shows as a silhouette.
Danbury Light Ring
Ring
A clear danburite cut like a brilliant holds a cool pale glow, named for the town where it was first found.
Dawn Stone Pendant
Pendant
A flawless danburite drops from a white gold loop, prized for a calm light softer than diamond.
Clear Crown Tiara
Tiara
Rows of colourless danburite rise in a spiked tiara, bright but softer than any diamond crown.
Clear Pillar Brooch
Brooch
An imagined bar brooch holding three long danburite crystals, clear as glass and standing side by side like pillars.
Clear Light Necklace
Necklace
An imagined platinum necklace of colourless danburite, clear as glass with a faint pink blush.