Danburite - the next chapter from Rocks and Stones around the World

Danburite was named after Danbury, a city in Connecticut, where it was discovered in the 19th century (Figure on the left, second from top).  Danburite is not a well known gemstone, but it can form beautiful crystals, which are transparent or translucent (Figure on the left, bottom).  The stone is usually colorless but it can be wine-yellow (very rare), brown, or pink. The lustre is greasy and vitreous. The hardness is 7.0 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale.  It is mainly a collector’s item.  Danburite jewels are rare.  Some people say, however, that it promotes restful sleep. The original deposit where danburite was first found, is now under the city of Danbury.  Most danburites today come from Mexico and some beautiful ones can be found in Russia. It can be also found in Bolivia, Burma, Japan and Madagascar.  Click on the image on the left (top) to buy the book!