Sinhalite is rare mineral and known only from the gem gravels in Sri Lanka. It was thought to be a brownish variety of the normally green peridot, the gem variety of olivine. It was first discovered to be a new species in 1952 when an unusually dark brown specimen came under scientific scrutiny. Since then it has been an unusual gemstone, being a member of the borates. Because it is so rare, has few notable characteristics to give it distinction and the not too overwhelming demand for brownish green gemstones; sinhalite has not enjoyed much success on the gemstone markets and is usually sought after only by collectors of rare and unusual gemstones. Sinhalite gets its name from sinhala, the Sanskrit word for the island of Ceylon, now known as Sri Lanka.
Rockhound, |
is Steve's pro-humanity, pro-space, pro-future blog,
and a forum to discuss his talks at the International Space Development Conference (sponsored by the
National Space Society).
|
You can make a difference!
Help President Obama, NASA, and
the people of Earth. See theApophis Challenge for solutions to: - Global Warming - Global Energy - Man in Space - Preventing the next Extinction Level Event |