#gemystique
Examining a beautiful Fluorite for this week’s microscopemonday and more beautiful than its delightfully saturated color is what’s happening inside.
A layered, step like angular growth pattern can be observed in the first 2 photomicrographs (fiber-optic and dark-field illumination). What we see here is a partial phantom. The reason behind the formation of this uniquely beautiful inclusion is very interesting.
“As a factor of temperature change fluorite tends to alter its crystal habit during the growing process, e.g., from the octahedron to the cube and vice versa. This behavior also occurs with other isometric gem species such as diamond and garnet. The event leaves its visible marks by oriented internal peculiarities such as phantoms (cloudy or color replica of the previous habit) and fluid inclusions in parallel alignment of former crystal faces and edges.” – PhotoAtlas – Vol 3, Pg. 555-556
Some other usual suspects can also be observed; primary-secondary fluid inclusions in the form of negative crystals and voids containing aqueous solutions and sometimes gas bubbles. A dense network of feathers, which appear quite wispy in this particular case and visible internal strain.
Sheikh Fahad Abbas – GIA GG, AJP
Founder & Owner – Gemystique®
