Bytownite: One Of The Rarest Gemstones

The Bytownite gem is generally unknown in the gem industry because its structure and occurrence is a little difficult. This Plagioclase is one of the rare gems belonging to the Feldspars family. Bite is one of the few gems that make up the fifth member of the Plagioclase family. Its composition consists of minerals, which range from pure albite to anorithite. Bite is defined by at least 90–70% calcium and 10–30% sodium by the real class. It should be noted in its crystalline structure. To identify feldspars, changes in density and refraction should be observed in the absence of chemical analysis or optical measurements.

Plagioclase feldspars show a type of twinning called pure albite. Twinning occurs when a stack of layers is pushed together, which are fractions of a millimeter thick. The bituite formation is a gray to white crystal with stripes. Bitonite has two properties, such as refractive index and specific gravity. Its specific gravity ranges from 2.75 to 2.76. By correctly identifying these properties, you will be able to identify and analyze the mineral. It should be determined in combination with diffraction, chemical, and petrographic analysis. Metamorphic complexes and intrusions occur in bytownite. 

The Mineral’s History and Origin

The name Bytownite was derived from Bytown (now known as Ottawa in Canada) by T. Thomson who found it in a rock near the area. T. Thomson was also the person who gave this stone its name and who later discovered that this material is a mixture when viewed under a microscope. This happened in 1835. G. Tschermak was the person who applied the name to every mineral between anorthite and labradorite. This is what petrologists assume today.

How Bytownite Became Rare

Bytownite is not usually found in clear places. It is usually found in small grains found in igneous rocks, which are said to be rich in lime. Light yellow crystals are most commonly found in Oregon and Mexico.

Characteristics or Properties

Bytownite has a hardness of 5.5–6.0, so it is very fragile rather and rare. Specific gravity is 2.75. The color will usually be a variety of gray, white and light yellow. Others may exhibit colorless properties. Its chemical composition can be detected as calcium sodium aluminum silicate. His fracture will be conical. Shine is like glass; will do a stimulating operation for the infrequent translucent. Habits in the crystal will be tabulated or blocked. Free crystals are rare. Nevertheless, square or rectangular cross-sections are perforated with pinnacled terminations and slated domes. Twinning is a common etrinine plagioclase. Batatanite is found in compact masses and as a small grain in gabbros. The crack of Baiteite is so strange that they form the life of the right corner. It has a white cord and is associated with minerals such as pyroxene, biotite and hornblend.

Another important feature is that the streaks that occur can have a simple groove effect on cleft surfaces. The refraction is approximately 1.575 to 1.585. In addition to Canada, there are deposits in South Africa and Scotland. To view this mineral, you must identify its stripes, events, refractive index and density.

Gemstone Care

Bytownites must be cleaned with warm water and polished with a clean dry cloth. Do not use harsh chemicals to not damage the integrity of the stone.

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