Phenakite and Aquamarine on Quartz

3D Model

Locality: Mt. Antero, Colorado, USA

No.: 5708

Size: 8.5 x 3.6 x 2.8 cm

Formula: Phenakite - Be2SiO4; Quartz - SiO2; Aquamarine (variety of Beryl) - Be3Al2Si6O18

Description: This specimen is from Mt. Antero, Colorado (USA), and is represented by water clear crystal of Phenakite attached on Quartz large crystal. Aquamarine (a variety of Beryl) is also present in the Quartz single-crystal matrix.

Phenakite is a rare beryllium mineral, but it is found so frequently with precious gemstones that its availability is not in proportion to its rarity. It is found in pegmatitic pockets and is associated with gemstones such as Topaz, Beryl, Chrysoberyl, and Quartz. The name phenakite is from a Greek word meaning ‘deceiver’, an allusion to its deceptively similar look to quartz.

Website: http://geology.uaic.ro/muzee/mineralogie/

Concept & 3D-modelling by Andrei Ionut APOPEI