23-09-2019
The 1.16-carat crystal, johnkoivulaite, was found in the Mogok Valley of Myanmar by local gemmologist Nay Myo, said the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) last Tuesday. It was accepted by the International Mineralogical Association as a new mineral species.
According to GIA, johnkoivulaite has a hexagonal crystal structure that is very similar to beryl and other members of the beryl group, such as pezzottaite. “Standard gemmological testing gave an RI of 1.608, with a birefringence too small to accurately measure, an SG of 3.01, a hardness of 7½, a conchoidal fracture, vitreous lustre, and no reaction to long-wave or short-wave UV. This mineral is especially unique due to the strong pleochroism it shows from deep violet to nearly colourless when observed with polarized light,” said the institute.
The new mineral is named in honour of GIA researcher John Koivula. “We are privileged to be able to name this mineral after John Koivula who has contributed so much to science and the gem and jewellery industry as a prominent gemmologist and innovator in photomicrography,” said Tom Moses, executive vice president and chief laboratory and research officer. (Photo courtesy: GIA)
← Back