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Identity HelpIlmenite/rutile
25th Feb 2012 23:40 UTCDon Saathoff Expert
Any help would be appreciated....optically, rutile is a strong possibility...
26th Feb 2012 16:10 UTCsteven garza
VERY interesting, but, I doubt rutile as an ID; more likely araogonite or even calcite. Have you tried testing a single needle? I clicked to enlarge the pic, didn't see enough to judge, so, I changed "view" to zoom in at 200X, which did the trick. Those definitely look more like aragonites, than anything else. I don't see a tetragonal outline to the xls; I do see an orthorhombic outline, though. I know it's not on the mineral list for the locale, but, that's what I think it is. A new list inclusion would be cool, wouldn't it?
Your friend, Steve
26th Feb 2012 16:53 UTCRonald John Gyllenhammer Expert
Thanks for the images. I agree with Steve that this is probably not rutile and more likely Calcite after Aragonite. I think it would be prudent to look for fluorescence under a UV lamp and also to put some grains to the test for a carbonate.
Ron
26th Feb 2012 18:22 UTCDon Saathoff Expert
Under crossed polars in the petrographic 'scope the birefringence didn't seem nearly high enough for either calcite or aragonite - in the .017 range and, because of the prefered orientation of the grains (and my student-grade 'scope) I could not get a good optical figure to determine either sign or character and, in reality, since I can't be sure of the thickness of the grains, the birefringence may be higher. My range of immersion oils is limited so RI determination is limited but with oil RI=1.775 the relief seemed to be moderately negative so you are both probably right and I'll sacrifice another xl for a carbonate test. Considering the environment and past lack of any carbonates I didn't even consider the possibility!!
Thanks! and I'll post the results of the carbonate test later...
Don
27th Feb 2012 19:39 UTCDon Saathoff Expert
And the optical matches.....so much for colorless rutile!!!
Don
27th Feb 2012 20:41 UTCRonald John Gyllenhammer Expert
Good to hear that you have resolution on this! I've read about the very small radiating acicular topaz at "The Clearing" but I have never actually seen them. Thanks for the fine post.
Ron
27th Feb 2012 21:38 UTCJohn Sobolewski 🌟 Expert
27th Feb 2012 21:42 UTCCraig Mercer
Good to see resolve after guesses, can now be enjoyed.
28th Feb 2012 00:30 UTCDon Saathoff Expert
Don
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Privacy Policy - Terms & Conditions - Contact Us / DMCA issues - Report a bug/vulnerability Current server date and time: March 28, 2024 19:27:42