How do I identify Abelsonite?

Abelsonite can be identified by its hardness of 2 - 3 on the Mohs scale, Pink-purple color. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.

What color is Abelsonite?

Abelsonite typically appears in Pink-purple, dark greyish purple, pale purplish red, reddish brown.. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.

How hard is Abelsonite?

Abelsonite has a hardness of 2 - 3 on the Mohs scale. This makes it a soft mineral that can be scratched easily.

Abelsonite

A variety of Minerals

What is Abelsonite?

Abelsonite is semitransparent and pink-purple, dark greyish purple, pale purplish red, or reddish brown in color. The mineral occurs as thin laths or plates or small aggregates up to 1 cm (0.39 in). The mineral is soluble in benzene and acetone and is insoluble in water, dilute hydrochloric acid, and dilute nitric acid.

Abelsonite Market Value Calculator

Estimate the market value of Abelsonite using size, quality, and finish. This preview calculator is for quick context and is not a formal appraisal.

Abelsonite Localities Map

See where Abelsonite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.

Map preview

North ZoneCentral RidgeSouth Basin

Key Characteristics

Composition of Abelsonite

In 1989, abelsonite was the only known geoporphyrin to have a crystalline structure. Most geoporphyrins occur as a series of homologues spanning a large range of carbon numbers. The porphyrin which comprises abelsonite is common, but it does not usually occur in isolation from other porphyrins. The mineral is a deoxophylloerythroetioporphyrin (DPEP), with nickel occupying the center of the porphyrin ring. Most of the mineral consists of a C31 porphyrin with small quantities of a C30 norisomer. The mineral crystallizes in the triclinic crystal system.