Quartz with Siderophyllite 0.36 ct
Cushion Cut 5.00 x 4.20 x 2.30 mm
Tanzania
w837

Quartzite with siderophyllite

Trade name is also “Cherry Tanzurine”. In fact is quartzite with this type of mica; the material is generally milky with many fractures and is used for beads ,cabochons and tumbled; only a very small percentage of it is of gem quality. Siderophyllite is a rare member of the mica group of silicate minerals with formula Kfe2+2Al(Al2Si2)O10(F,OH)2.

It comes from Malambo,west of Lake NatronAfrican Rift Valley,Arusha Region Tanzania.