ClassicGems.net

 

Alurgite

 

Alurgite (a variety of Muscovite)

 

Discovered in 1865;   IMA status:  Not Valid (a variety of Muscovite)

 

Chemistry

 

 

Chemical Formula:

K2(Mg,Al)4-5(Al,Si)8O20(OH)4   (Muscovite)

 

Potassium Magnesium Aluminum Silicate Hydroxide

 

 

More Information

   

   

 

Alurgite is a variety of Muscovite.
For more information please see the
Muscovite information page.
 

 

Mindat.org (Alurgite)
Mindat.org (Muscovite)
Webmineral.com (Muscovite)
 

View mineral photos:

Alurgite Mineral Photos and Locations

 

 

Alurgite is a manganoan variety of Muscovite that was originally described in 1865 by J.F.H. Breithaupt who also named the mineral. The name Alurgite is from the Greek word halourges meaning genuine purple dye from the sea in allusion to its typical reddish-purple color. In ancient Greece Murex shells from the sea were used to produce a purple dye called halourges which was the most expensive dye known in antiquity. Alurgite cabochon gems are uncommon but beautiful with the reddish-purple color against a dark background of black Braunite.

Alurgite is a reddish-purple variety of Muscovite that gets its color from the presence of manganese in its chemical formula. A green variety of Muscovite also exists that is called Fuchsite and is colored by the presence of chromium. W. T. Schaller (1959) placed Alurgite as an intermediate between Leucophyllite (now a synonym of Aluminoceladonite) and Muscovite.

Alurgite is named from the Greek word halourges meaning genuine purple dye from the sea in allusion to its typical reddish-purple color. In ancient Greece Murex shells from the sea were used to produce a purple dye called halourges which was the most expensive dye known in antiquity.

Distribution: Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Prabornaz Mine, Saint-Marcel, Aosta Valley, Italy; Tone mine, Kinkai-Tone-machi, Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture, Kyushu Region, Japan.

Alurgite gems for sale:

Alurgite-001

Gem:

Alurgite

Stock #:

ALUR-001

Weight:

19.4845 ct

Size:

26.25 x 19.12 x 3.48 mm

Shape:

Half Round Cabochon

Color:

Reddish-Purple on Black

Clarity:

Opaque

Origin:

Prabornaz Mine, Aosta Velley, Italy

Treatment:

None (natural)

Price:

$98.00    [ Make an offer ]

Pictures are of the actual gem offered for sale.
Gem images are magnified to show detail.

Alurgite-001

A rare and unusaul cabochon containing bright Alurgite and black Braunite.

 

 


I love Sarah