SABELLIITE Meaning and
Definition
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Sabelliite is a mineral that belongs to the borate mineral group. It is a relatively rare copper borate hydroxide mineral that has the chemical formula Cu2+(Fe3+,Al)3(BO3)(SiO4)O2(OH). The mineral gets its name from its discoverer, Italian mineralogist Giancarlo Sabelli.
Sabelliite typically forms as thin prismatic or tabular crystals, which often occur as aggregates or sprays. It exhibits a vitreous to resinous luster and can be translucent to nearly opaque. The mineral tends to have a pale green to bluish-green color, which can sometimes appear olive-green under different lighting conditions.
This mineral is primarily found in hydrothermal copper deposits, specifically in oxidized portions of copper-bearing veins. It commonly occurs alongside other minerals such as malachite, azurite, cuprite, and chrysocolla.
In terms of its physical properties, sabelliite has a hardness of around 6-6.5 on the Mohs scale, indicating moderate hardness. Its specific gravity ranges from 3.5 to 3.76, meaning it is relatively heavy compared to an equal volume of water.
Sabelliite is primarily sought after by mineral collectors due to its rarity and unique crystal formations. Its distinctive green color makes it an attractive addition to mineral collections, and specimens of sabelliite can sometimes be cut into cabochons for use in jewelry.
Etymology of SABELLIITE
The word "sabelliite" is derived from the surname of an Italian mineralogist, Carlo Giuseppe Genesio Sabelli (1853-1925), who first discovered and described the mineral. It is a common practice in mineralogy to name minerals after the person who discovered or made significant contributions to their study. Therefore, "sabelliite" is named in honor of Carlo Giuseppe Genesio Sabelli.
