Kornerupine is a mineral that is typically found in metamorphic rocks. It belongs to the complex class of silicate minerals, specifically the inosilicates group. It possesses a chemical formula represented as (Mg,Fe2+)4Al6(Si,Al,B)5O21(OH), where magnesium and iron are the main cations.
In terms of physical properties, kornerupine has a vitreous to resinous luster and a range of colors, including green, brown, yellow, gray, and even colorless. It forms in prismatic or tabular crystal habits, often exhibiting pleochroism, which means it displays different colors when viewed from different angles. The mineral has a monoclinic crystal system and is relatively hard, typically ranging from 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness.
Kornerupine is named after the Danish geologist, Andreas Nikolaus Kornerup, who first identified the mineral in Greenland in 1884. It is known to occur in several localities worldwide, including Madagascar, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Brazil, and the United States.
Notably, kornerupine is valued in the gemstone market for its attractive colors, durability, and rarity. It can be faceted and used in jewelry as a semi-precious gemstone. Its unique combination of colors and its high dispersion, which refers to the separation of light into spectral colors, makes it visually appealing. Additionally, kornerupine's rarity contributes to its desirability among collectors and enthusiasts.
