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Girasol

A bluish-white translucent variety of Common opal showing reddish reflections. The name derived from the Latin "gyro" - to turn and "sol" - sun, and dates back to at least 15th century Europe.
General Information
A variety or type of:Common Opal, which is a variety of Opal
Chemical Formula
SiO
 
2
· nH
 
2
O
Walter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001)
Physical Properties of Girasol
Mohs Hardness5.5 to 6.5
Walter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001)
Specific Gravity1.98 to 2.50
Walter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001)
TenacityBrittle
Walter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001)
Cleavage QualityNone
Walter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001)
FractureConchoidal,Splintery
Walter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001)
Optical Properties of Girasol
Refractive Index1.37 to 1.52
Walter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001)
BirefringenceNone
Walter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001)
PleochroismAbsent
Walter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001)
DispersionNone
Walter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001)
Colour
Colour (General)Almost colourless with bluish opalescence
Walter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001)
TransparencyTransparent,Translucent
Walter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001)
Crystallography of Girasol
Crystal SystemAmorphous
Walter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001)
Further Information
Mineral information:Girasol information at mindat.org
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