Try for Free
tab list
Rock Identifier
English
arrow
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Home Application Download FAQ
English
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية

Diaspore

Diaspore

A species of Diaspore Group, Also known as Empholite, Tanatar

The most valuable and highly-sought type of diaspore is Zultanite, a rare, transparent, faceted gem which is mined and manufactured in Turkey. This type is significantly larger than other forms of diaspore, which are considered valueless in the gemstone trade. This mineral is a component of Bauxite, which is regularly used as a source of aluminum.

Hardness
Hardness:

6.5 - 7

Density
Density:

3.38 g/cm³

General Info About Diaspore

Instantly Identify Rocks with a Snap
Snap a photo for instant rock/gemstone/mineral ID and properties analysis, gaining quick insights on characteristics, market value, collecting tips, care, real vs fake, and health risks, etc.
Download the App for Free

Physical Properties of Diaspore

Luster
Pearly, Vitreous
Diaphaneity
Transparent to translucent
Colors
white, brown, colourless, pale yellow, greyish, greenish grey, lilac, pinkish
Magnetism
Non-magnetic
Tenacity
Brittle
Cleavage
Perfect
Fracture
Conchoidal
Streak
white
Crystal System
Orthorhombic
Hardness
6.5 - 7 , Hard
Density
3.38 g/cm³, Normal Weight
qrcode
Img download isoImg download android

Chemical Properties of Diaspore

Chemical Classification
Oxides
Formula
AlO(OH)
Elements listed
Al, H, O
Common Impurities
Fe, Mn, Cr, Si

Optical Properties of Diaspore

Refractive Index
1.702-1.750
Birefringence
0.048
Optical Character
Biaxial positive

Discover the Value of Diaspore

Discovering the Diverse Values of Rocks
Unveiling the Rarity, Aesthetics, and Economic Significance of Rocks
Download the App for Free
Rarity
Rare

Characteristics of Diaspore

Your Comprehensive Rock Characteristics Guide
In-depth exploration of rock types, features, and formation aspects
Download the App for Free

Cultural Significance of Diaspore

Your Ultimate Guide to Understanding Rock Culture
Unveiling the mysteries of rock culture - exploring uses, history, and healing properties, etc
Download the App for Free

Uses of Diaspore

Diaspore is valued for its refractory properties and is used most frequently to make refractory bricks; low-quality pieces are a filler for the plastics industry. Gem-quality pieces from Turkey are sold under the trade names csarite, ottomanite, and zultanite.

The Meaning of Diaspore

Diaspore is a birthstone for the zodiac sign of Pisces.

Distribution of Diaspore

The mineral occurs as an alteration product of corundum or emery and is found in granular limestone and other crystalline rocks. Well-developed crystals are found in the emery deposits of the Urals and at Chester, Massachusetts, and in kaolin at Schemnitz in Hungary. If obtainable in large quantity, it would be of economic importance as a source of aluminium.

Etymology of Diaspore

It was first described in 1801 for an occurrence in Mramorsk Zavod, Sverdlovskaya Oblast, Middle Urals, Russia. The name, which was coined by René Just Haüy, is from the Greek for διασπείρειν, to scatter, in allusion to its decrepitation on heating.

Common Questions People Also Ask

Get Quick Rock Answers with a Snap
Snap a photo for instant rock ID and answers on characteristics, market value, collecting tips, care, real vs fake, and health risks, etc.
Download the App for Free

More Rocks You Might Enjoy

Img topic
Red Beryl
The rarest variety of beryl, this mineral is so rare that only one red Beryl is mined for every 150,000 gem-quality diamonds. It is found only in the USA and big-sized stones are extremely difficult to mine. Also known as red emerald, red Beryl is extremely expensive due to its beauty and rarity.
Read More
Arrow
Img topic
Ettringite
The transparent crystals of ettringite are long and hexagonal, but they're rarely cut into gems as they are colorless and quite soft. This mineral is used to coat paper to create "satin white" finish, and is also an important hydration product of cement, created during the chemical reactions of the stiffening process.
Read More
Arrow
Img topic
Prase
The term "prase" refers to a translucent, leek-green type of quartz, most commonly quartzite, but also some true quartzes and jaspers of similar color. The term is no longer considered to have much scientific meaning, since it covers so many differing types of rocks. Stones of this beautiful color have been carved for decorative purposes since ancient Greece.
Read More
Arrow
Img topic
Mixite
Mixite occurs in transparent and translucent blues and greens but may be colorless when placed in front of transmitted light. It has a hexagonal crystal system that gives a fibrous appearance. This rare secondary mineral can be found in oxidized copper-bismuth deposits. Mixite is named after Czech mining engineer, Anton Mixa.
Read More
Arrow
Img topic
Austinite
Austinite is a rare mineral usually translucent or transparent white or green, but colorless when put up against transmitted light. This mineral may be found alongside metal deposits containing arsenic. Austinite should not be confused with Austenite, which is a form of iron.
Read More
Arrow
Img topic
Wurtzite
Wurtzite is a reddish-brown mineral found in hydrothermal conditions that are rich in zinc as well as in some sedimentary rocks. Wurtzite is a dimorph of sphalerite, meaning that their composition is the same but the way they form crystals is different. Wurtzite was discovered in 1861 and is named after the French chemist, Charles Adolphe Wurtz.
Read More
Arrow
Img topic
Rutile
Rutile is a fairly common mineral mined for its titanium, which has many industrial uses (perhaps most famously in airplanes and spacecraft). When powdered, it is also used to make a strong white pigment. Although rarely carved as a gemstone in its own right, long, thin rutile crystal inclusions in other stones can create beautiful patterns, making these crystals more sought after (contrary to the general rule, in which gemstones with inclusions are less valuable).
Read More
Arrow
Img topic
Enargite
Enargite is an important ore of copper, but it also occurs with other minerals and chemical elements such as Quartz, Bornite, Pyrite, or even Gold. This very common mineral is found in deposits related to low temperatures. It mostly occurs as a distinct steel-gray to black crystal with a violet film, but sometimes it can be dull gray.
Read More
Arrow