Gaspeite
A variety of Calcite Group
What is Gaspeite?
With its relatively short history, gaspeite is not a well-known mineral. In the last two decades, this rare and quite unfamiliar material has found its place in the lapidary and jewelry industry, particularly in Southwestern-style American jewelry. It takes fine polish and is commonly cut into beads, cabochons, or slabs, or sold as tumbled stones.
Uses & Applications
Gaspéite presence in the geologic environment may be used as an ore mining indicator of nickel rich minerals nearby. Gaspéite stones are used for carving ornamental objects and animal figurines, and are also cut and polished into attractive apple green color (often veined) cabochons for jewelry use.
Healing Properties
Gaspeite's vibrational energy supposedly promotes healing throughout the body and even encourages the possessor to heal themselves! It's said to tap into your consciousness, giving you a greater understanding and awareness of yourself and what you desire, thus aiding spiritual growth. The belief is that gaspeite works to ground you by connecting with all of your chakras.
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Gaspeite Market Value Calculator
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Gaspeite Localities Map
See where Gaspeite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.
Associated Chakras
Key Characteristics
Formation of Gaspeite
Gaspéite is known from a handful of locations worldwide. Aside from its type locality in Canada, gaspéite is found in the nickeliferous gossans of Kambalda type komatiitic nickel ore deposits in Kambalda, and nearby Widgie Townsite, Widgiemooltha, both south of Kalgoorlie, Western Australia, in both locations also associated with garnierite and kambaldaite. Nickel carbonate, though not conclusively proven to be gaspéite, is also reported in hydrothermally altered ultramafic rocks in New South Wales, Australia, associated with serpentinite bodies and lode gold deposits. Gaspéite is reported from the Lord Brassey Mine, Tasmania, in association with hellyerite.
Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- Light green
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 4.5 - 5
- Density
- 3.748 g/cm³
- Streak
- Green, yellow
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Crystal System
- Hexagonal
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- Ni(CO3)
- Elements
- C, Ni, O
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