Saussurite

Saussurite

Saussurite is a mineral aggregate which is formed as a hydrothermal alteration product of plagioclase feldspar. It appears very similar to zoisite with a green or grayish-green color, it has been used as a substitute or simulant for jade.

Sassurite is not however recognized as a true mineral because it is a microscopic mixture of several other minerals, zoisite, epidote, sericite, albite or other sodium rich feldspar along with possibly scapolite. The use of microscopic refractive index data and X-ray diffraction patterns are needed to distinguish some saussurite simulants from true jade.

It was named after the Swiss explorer Horace Benedict de Saussure, who discovered it on the slopes of Mont Blanc.

References

* [http://www.cst.cmich.edu/users/dietr1rv/zoisite.htm Dietrich, R. V., 2005, "Zoisite"]
* [http://www.gia.edu/newsroom/issue/2798/2392/insider_newsletter_details.cfm#3 Insider Gemologist: What Are the Identifying Characteristics of These Green Gems?, July 15, 2005]


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  • Saussurite — Saus sur*ite, n. [F. So called from M. Saussure.] (Min.) A tough, compact mineral, of a white, greenish, or grayish color. It is near zoisite in composition, and in part, at least, has been produced by the alteration of feldspar. [1913 Webster] …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • saussurite — s. f. [Mineralogia] Silicato alcalino de alumina e cal.   ♦ Grafia no Brasil: saussurita …   Dicionário da Língua Portuguesa

  • saussurite — saussuritic /saw seuh rit ik/, adj. /saw seuh ruyt /, n. a mineral aggregate of albite, zoisite, and other calcium aluminum silicates, formed by alteration of plagioclase feldspars in igneous rocks. [1805 15; named after H. B. de Saussure (1740… …   Universalium

  • saussurite — (sô su ri te) s. f. Terme de minéralogie. Matière minérale trouvée pour la première fois sur les bords du lac de Genève, et dite aussi lémanite, jade de Saussure …   Dictionnaire de la Langue Française d'Émile Littré

  • saussurite — saus·su·rite …   English syllables

  • saussurite — …   Useful english dictionary

  • saussuritization — ▪ geology       process by which calcium bearing plagioclase feldspar is altered to a characteristic assemblage of minerals called saussurite; the typical assemblage formed includes zoisite, chlorite, amphibole, and carbonates. Residual fluids… …   Universalium

  • saussuritization — sȯˈsu̇rəd.ėˈzāshən, d.ˌīˈz noun ( s) Etymology: International Scientific Vocabulary saussurite + ization : the process of converting feldspar into saussurite …   Useful english dictionary

  • saussuritic — adjective see saussurite * * * saussuritic / itˈik/ adjective • • • Main Entry: ↑saussurite …   Useful english dictionary

  • Euphotide — Eu pho*tide, n. [Gr. e y^ well + ?, ?, light. So called because of its pleasing combination of white and green.] (Min.) A rock occurring in the Alps, consisting of saussurite and smaragdite; sometimes called {gabbro}. [1913 Webster] …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

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