Povondraite

Povondraite is named after Pavel Povondra, Docent of Geochemistry, Charles University, Prague, for his extensive work on the Tourmaline group.

Povondraite forms translucent to opaque crystals of dark brown, brownish black to black colour with resinous lustre.

Povondraite is a rare gem and is mostly for gem collectors' interest.
General Information
Chemical Formula
NaFe
3+
3
Fe
3+
6
(BO
 
3
)
 
3
Si
 
6
O
 
18
(O,OH)
 
4
Anthony et al, Handbook of Mineralogy (2001)
Physical Properties of Povondraite
Mohs Hardness7
Anthony et al, Handbook of Mineralogy (2001)
Specific Gravity3.26
Anthony et al, Handbook of Mineralogy (2001)
TenacityBrittle
Anthony et al, Handbook of Mineralogy (2001)
FractureUneven,Conchoidal
Anthony et al, Handbook of Mineralogy (2001)
Optical Properties of Povondraite
Optical CharacterUniaxial/-
Anthony et al, Handbook of Mineralogy (2001)
PleochroismStrong: yellow-brown, dark brown, brown-black -- dark red-brown, light brown
Anthony et al, Handbook of Mineralogy (2001)
Colour
Colour (General)Black
Anthony et al, Handbook of Mineralogy (2001)
TransparencyTranslucent,Opaque
Anthony et al, Handbook of Mineralogy (2001) Nearly opaque
LustreResinous,Metallic
Anthony et al, Handbook of Mineralogy (2001) More or less splendent
Crystallography of Povondraite
Crystal SystemHexagonal
Anthony et al, Handbook of Mineralogy (2001)
HabitEquant but distorted prisms, terminated by trigonal pyramids, in subparallel aggregates, to several mm.
Anthony et al, Handbook of Mineralogy (2001)
Geological Environment
Where found:Very rare, in fractures and lining cavities in schist metamorphosed from sedimentary rocks.
Anthony et al, Handbook of Mineralogy (2001)
Further Information
Mineral information:Povondraite information at mindat.org
Significant Gem Localities
Bolivia
 
  • Cochabamba
    • Chapare Province
      • Alto Chapare mining district
        • Cristalmayu subdistrict
          • Cristalmayu
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