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Leucite (from the Greek word leukos meaning white) is a rock-forming mineral of the feldspathoid group, silica-undersaturated and composed of potassium and aluminium tectosilicate KAlSi 2 O 6. Crystals have the form of cubic icositetrahedra but, as first observed by Sir David Brewster in 1821, they are not optically isotropic, and are therefore ...
- Occurrence of Leucite
- Uses Area
- Distribution
- References
Leucite is a rather rare mineral, occurring only in igneousrocks, usually in the recent lavas; rarely observed in deepseated rocks. Foundin rocks in which the amount of silica in the magma was insufficient to combinewith the potassium to form feldspar. Is not observed, therefore, in rocks thatcontain quartz.
Leucite is used as a fertilizer in Italy (because of itshigh potassium content) and as a source of commercial aluminum
From numerous localities worldwide, typically in goodcrystals. 1. Especially from Italy, as at Vesuvius, MonteSomma, and Roccamonna, Campania; at Villa Senni, Frascati, and Ariccia, Lazio;and on Vulcano, Lipari Islands. 2. Around the Laacher See, Eifel district, Germany. 3. In the USA, from the Leucite Hills, SweetwaterCo., Wyoming; the Bear Paw Mo...
Bonewitz, R. (2012). Rocks and minerals. 2nd ed.London: DK Publishing.Dana, J. D. (1864). Manual of Mineralogy… Wiley.Handbookofmineralogy.org.(2019). Handbook of Mineralogy. [online] Available at:http://www.handbookofmineralogy.org [Accessed 4 Mar. 2019].Mindat.org.(2019): Mineral information, data and localities.. [online] Available at:https://www.mindat.org/ [Accessed. 2019].Leucite is a member of the feldspathoid group, forming directly from cooling lava in volcanic rock. It forms in low-silica environments where little Quartz is present. When Leucite forms at high temperatures, it crystallizes as isometric crystals in trapezohedral crystal form.
2 Minute Read. Home Gemstones Leucite Value, Price, and Jewelry Information. By Joel E. Arem, Ph.D., FGA, International Gem Society. Although abundant in various lava rocks, leucite is extremely rare in gem-quality form and often has a milky or cloudy look. Faceted stones as well as well-shaped crystals are prized by collectors.
Formula: K (AlSi2O6) Colour: White, grey. Lustre: Vitreous. Hardness: 5½ - 6. Specific Gravity: 2.45 - 2.5. Crystal System: Tetragonal. Member of: Feldspathoid Group. Name: From the Greek "leucos," for white, in allusion to its common colour. Type Locality: ⓘ Mount Somma, Somma-Vesuvius Complex, Naples, Campania, Italy.
Leucite, one of the most important feldspathoid minerals, a potassium aluminosilicate (KAlSi2O6). It occurs only in igneous rocks, particularly potassium-rich, silica-poor, recent lavas. Some important localities include Rome; Uganda; and Leucite Hills, Wyo., U.S. Leucite is used as a fertilizer in.
May 8, 2023 · Leucite is a commonly milky, colorless to gray gemstone that’s rare in gem-quality form — only Italy is known to produce gem-quality leucite crystals. Even the leucite-bearing rock leucitite is rare, with many nations not containing a single one.
