Glittering Stones >> Semi Precious Stones >> Baddeleyite

Semi Precious Stone Baddeleyite

Baddeleyite is a rare zirconium oxide mineral occurring in a variety of monoclinic prismatic crystal forms. It is transparent to translucent, has high indices of refraction (na=2.130, nß=2.190, and n?=2.200), and ranges from colorless to yellow, green, and dark brown. The baddeleyite mineral has a specific gravity of 5.5 to 6 and a Mohs hardness of 6.5. it is a refractory mineral, with a melting point of 2700 °C.

Baddeleyite was first occurred in 1892 from Sri Lanka, and Minas Gerais and Jacupiranga, São Paulo, Brazil. It was named after Joseph Baddeley, who described the occurrences in Sri Lanka.

Actually, the mineral Baddeleyete will often be found as detrital grains in gravels. Its primary occurrence is in high temperature veins and in syenite, carbonatite, kimberlite, and lamproite intrusions. Because of their refractory nature and stability under diverse conditions, baddeleyete grains, along with zircon, are used for uranium-lead radiometric age determinations.

Historical Facts of Baddeleyite

Other Names: Baddeleyit, Baddeleyita

Refractive Index: 2.130 - 2.200

Chemical Composition: ZrO2

Hardness: 6.5

Density: 5.4 - 6.02

Crystal Group: Monoclinic

Luster: Vitreous, Greasy

Color: Yellow, Green, Dark brown

Occurrence: Sri Lanka, Minas Gerais and Jacupiranga, Sao Paulo, Brazil; Mogok, Myanmar