Tinzenite and Quartz on Rhodonite
Locality: Molinello Mine, Ne, Graveglia Valley, Genova Province, Liguria, Italy
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Tinzenite and Quartz on Rhodonite
Locality: Molinello Mine, Ne, Graveglia Valley, Genova Province, Liguria, Italy
Some gems for Orange's court!
Tinzenite
The rare mineral group known as axinite grows in beautiful bladed axe like crystals that are named after the Greek for axe. The colours of this calcium iron/magnesium/manganese borosilicate vary from violet to reddish brown or yellow, and its hardness of 6-7 on Mohs scale means that it is sometimes faceted for gem collectors (though the perfect cleavage along lines of weaker bonding within the structure makes this difficult, as entire layers of the crystal can separate off when polishing it on the wheel). Like some members of the garnet group, the three elements separated above by slashes form what is called a solid solution series, in which these elements are mixed, and the type of axinite depends on the proportions of the mixture between them in the crystal structure. This version is Tinzenite, usually yellow to orange in colour and hued by manganese.
Most axinite forms when the heat from granitic magma rising and cooling in the Earth bakes the rocks it pushes through, a process known as contact metamorphism, though a related process called metasomatism, in which hot element rich fluids circulate between the two kinds of juxtaposed rock. Axinite, like demantoid garnet (see http://tinyurl.com/kqop7lh), only forms when the granites intrude limestones forming a type of rocks (that often host mineral deposits) called skarns. It also occurs more rarely in certain kinds of silica poor mafic volcanic rocks and the Tinzenite variety is usually found here, in association with ophiolites, chunks of oceanic crust and upper mantle that have been pushed onto continents in collisions or similar rocks post metamorphism.
Inclusion free specimens are rare, as is common with many metamorphic gems, in which elements that do not enter the crystal structure of the gem in question crystalise as different minerals within the structure of the gem. Axinite displays very strong pleochroism (see our post on Alexandrite for an explanation at http://bit.ly/1PvWSE5), a phenomenon in which the crystal appears differently coloured depending on the direction from which it is viewed. This happens because the crystal structure separates light into different rays, each travelling through the crystal through separate pathways, and having some of their wavelengths absorbed on the way. The different light pathways are not absorbed in the same way, leaving three separate residual colours visible in the crystal.
It is one of the rare minerals with electrical properties, called pyro and piezo electricity. When rapidly heated or cooled, or stresses with pressure, the structure generates an electrical current. Tourmaline is another such mineral, and gems in shop windows often attract dust due to the currents generated during the day/night cycle. It also fluoresces reddish orange in UV light (for an explanation of how minerals do this see our past post on glowing diamonds at http://bit.ly/2uLwzXv). Axinite is found in France, Russia, Brazil, Paistan and Tanzania. It is not treated, and should not be exposed to harsh chemicals, detergents or ultrasonic cleaners. The 2.1 x 2.0 x 0.7 cm specimen in the photo comes from the Kalahari Manganese Field in South Africa.
Loz
Image credit: Rob Lavinsky/iRocks.com
https://www.mindat.org/min-3972.html http://bit.ly/2vTyxVW
http://www.mindat.org/min-440.html http://bit.ly/2v6H8an http://www.galleries.com/Axinite_ _
Tinzenite aesthetic moodboard!!
Tinzenite:
Tinzenite is a striking, 6'5", athletic figure with a truly unique appearance — his head is a gleaming, perfectly spherical 8-Pool Ball. His entire body, including his head, is a vibrant, eye-catching orange, exuding energy and boldness. His stylish look is enhanced by his attire: a sleek, sharp Las Vegas casino dealer's outfit complete with a fancy vest, crisp white shirt, and a bowtie that adds a playful yet polished touch to his mischievous personality. His costume is as immaculate as it is flamboyant, but it’s frequently coated in orange-colored goo, the same sticky substance that drips from his body whenever he moves.
Appearance:
8-Pool Ball Head: Tinzenite’s most defining feature is his head, which is a large, glossy 8-Pool Ball. The number "8" is clearly visible, standing out against the black sphere, but the entire ball is a striking, vibrant orange instead of the traditional black. His head glows slightly under dim lights, and the constant drips of orange goo sliding off the smooth surface give him an almost surreal, dream-like presence.
Surrounding Billiard Balls: He’s constantly accompanied by other billiard balls that orbit him like a chaotic, unpredictable halo. These balls are the same vibrant orange as his head, and they shift positions as he moves, sometimes spinning rapidly, other times hovering calmly. They too are covered in the same orange goo, giving them a slick, glossy appearance. These billiard balls often act like an extension of his being, moving in sync with his emotions or when he feels the need to show off his skills.
Gemstone: His gemstone is a round-cut Tinzenite, perfectly matching the shape and shine of his 8-ball head. It’s embedded in his right palm and glows with a vibrant orange hue, pulsating with energy whenever he’s feeling particularly sly or competitive. The gem radiates a mischievous light, almost as if it’s connected to his emotions.
Dealer Costume: Tinzenite dresses like a Vegas casino dealer, wearing a dapper vest over a pressed white shirt, along with a smart bowtie. His outfit is immaculate and fancy, despite the goo constantly dripping from him. The contrast between his slick, orange-covered body and the formality of his dealer attire makes him stand out even more, as if he’s always ready for a high-stakes game in a flashy casino.
Personality: Upbeat and Energetic: Tinzenite is the life of the party, always brimming with energy and a devil-may-care attitude. He’s never one to sit still or slow down, always looking for the next thrill or challenge. His upbeat nature is contagious, and he often draws people in with his lively presence. He’s all about fun, but his version of fun is often laced with tricks and sly maneuvers that keep others on their toes.
Sly and Antagonistic: Underneath his cheerful exterior, Tinzenite has a sly and cunning side. He loves to stir the pot, playing tricks or manipulating situations to keep things interesting. He despises anything or anyone he deems boring, and he won’t hesitate to make a fool out of someone who can’t keep up with his fast-paced lifestyle. He thrives on outwitting others and enjoys pushing people out of their comfort zones, often for his own amusement.
Showman at Heart: A natural showman, Tinzenite loves being the center of attention and delights in dramatic flair. Whether he’s spinning his billiard balls in complex tricks or dealing a hand at a high-stakes table, he’s always performing, always seeking an audience. He loves the rush of gambling, games, and taking risks — it’s all about the thrill for him, and he thrives on the tension and excitement.
Despises Boredom: Tinzenite can’t stand monotony or routine. If something becomes too predictable or slow, he quickly grows agitated and will actively seek ways to liven things up. He has no patience for dull conversations or boring people, often dismissing them with a sarcastic quip or a clever insult. He needs constant stimulation, and he’s always on the lookout for something or someone that can keep up with his high-energy vibe.
Fast-Talking with 1950s/60s Dialect: Tinzenite speaks quickly and with the smooth, slick dialect of a 1950s or 1960s casino dealer or conman. He uses slang from that era, peppering his speech with words like "doll," "cat," and "square" while throwing in phrases like "What’s the hustle?" and "Don’t be a wet blanket." His fast-talking nature matches his rapid thought process, and he often uses his quick wit to charm or distract people during conversations.
Competitive and Thrill-Seeking: Tinzenite is highly competitive and always looking for a challenge. Whether it’s a game of billiards, a card game, or a test of skill, he wants to win, and he’ll do whatever it takes to come out on top. He’s not above bending the rules or pulling a fast one, but in his mind, that’s all part of the game. The thrill of winning — especially by outsmarting an opponent — is what drives him.
Charismatic but Unpredictable: His charm and energy make him magnetic, but he’s also unpredictable. People may be drawn to his fun-loving nature, but they never quite know what to expect from him next. One minute he could be cracking jokes and making people laugh, and the next, he might be pulling off an elaborate prank that leaves others reeling. This unpredictable streak makes him exciting to be around, but also somewhat dangerous, as his games sometimes blur the line between harmless fun and antagonism.
Gem fusion combos for Cherry Quartz, Rubicelle and Emerald
Cherry Quartz + Rubicelle - Zincite - Tinzenite - Friedelite
Cherry Quartz + Emerald - Zunyite - Sonora Sunrise - Dragon Blood Jasper
Rubicelle + Emerald - Alunite - Wagnerite - Bustamite
Cherry Quartz + Rubicelle + Emerald - Andalusite - Zultanite - Xenotime
Tinzenite
Locality: Gambatesa Mine, Genova Province, Liguria, Italy
Tinzenite and Calcite | ©Fine Mineral Galleries | iRocks.com
Wessels Mine (Wessel’s Mine), Hotazel, Kalahari manganese fields, Northern Cape Province, South Africa.
Tinzenite (do not get confused with Tanzanite) is an iron – manganese intermediate form of Axinite, named after a locality near Tinzen, Switzerland.
Reference: [1]
Tinzenite with Quartz | ©Fine Mineral Galleries | iRocks.com
Molinello Mine, Val Graveglia, Liguria, Italy.