Discussions

╳Discussions

Groups

Recent Images in Discussions

PhotosTsavorite - Merelani Hills, Lelatema Mts, Simanjiro District, Manyara Region, Tanzania

28th Jan 2014 22:21 UTCPhilip Bluemner Expert

Tsavorite

Merelani Hills, Lelatema Mountains, Simanjiro District, Manyara Region, Tanzania

Hi,

I believe this is chromian diopside, not tsavorite. Color and crystal habit argue for diopside.

Best regards

Philip

28th Jan 2014 22:40 UTCRob Woodside 🌟 Manager

Looks like Forsterite. Messge sent

28th Jan 2014 23:30 UTCPhilip Bluemner Expert

Does forsterite occur in Merelani? The chromian diopsides from Merelani look very similar...

29th Jan 2014 00:07 UTCRob Woodside 🌟 Manager

I have no idea Philip. It just looks like forsterite to me. I'll check the Cr diopsides now. Elsewhere they are a richer green. Ok, I'm surprised that these are Cr, maybe there isn't much Cr and it seems a better choice than garnet. http://www.mindat.org/photo-379149.html

Fe produces this same apple green http://www.mindat.org/photo-558112.html

17th Feb 2014 06:06 UTCJohn Sobolewski 🌟 Expert

No, it is neither Chrome Diopside nor Forsterite. It is an incomplete crystal of Tsavorite acquired from Werner Radl of Germany who deals exclusively in Tanzanian and Eastern Africa material, including gem rough. The color clearly shows that this is not cutting material and it is always dangerous to try to identify minerals by their color. It can be equally dangerous to try to identify a mineral based on an incomplete crystal. However, I have changed the description to make it clear that it is a partial and not a complete crystal to help others avoid reaching the same wrong decision as to what this is, something I should have done when listing the item. My apologies. John S.