GENTHELVITE Meaning and
Definition
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Genthelvite is a mineral that belongs to the group of mixed beryllium-aluminum borates. It has a chemical formula of Be3Al2Si6O18 or BeAl2(SiO4)(Si2O7). The mineral typically forms in the orthorhombic crystal system and occurs in prismatic or tabular crystals. Genthelvite derives its name from its discovery locality, the Genthelv Valley in Switzerland.
Physically, genthelvite is usually transparent or translucent and can exhibit a range of colors, including pale yellow, brown, reddish-brown, and green. It has a vitreous to greasy luster, and its hardness on the Mohs scale is measured between 6 and 7, making it relatively hard. It has a specific gravity ranging from 2.85 to 3.01.
Genthelvite can be found in granite pegmatites, as well as in metamorphic rocks such as schists and gneisses. It is often associated with other minerals like quartz, feldspar, mica, and other beryllium minerals such as beryl and bertrandite.
Due to its scarcity and relatively low commercial value, genthelvite does not have many specific uses beyond being a collector's mineral and an aesthetic gemstone because of its pleasing colors. Gem-quality genthelvite can sometimes be cut into faceted gemstones. However, its rarity limits its presence in the jewelry market.
In conclusion, genthelvite is a mineral that occurs in orthorhombic crystals and typically forms in granite pegmatites and metamorphic rocks. It has various colors, a vitreous to greasy luster, and a hardness
Etymology of GENTHELVITE
The word "genthelvite" is derived from the name of the locality where it was first discovered, Genthelv, near the Lago della Piazza in the Swiss-Italian Alps. Genthelvite is a mineral species and belongs to the group of silicate minerals.
