How do I identify Melanophlogite?

Melanophlogite can be identified by its hardness of 6.5 - 7 on the Mohs scale, Colorless color. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.

What color is Melanophlogite?

Melanophlogite typically appears in Colorless, white, water-clear (pale yellow to deep red brown with impurities). Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.

How hard is Melanophlogite?

Melanophlogite has a hardness of 6.5 - 7 on the Mohs scale. This gives it moderate hardness.

Melanophlogite

A variety of Minerals

What is Melanophlogite?

Melanophlogite (MEP) is a rare silicate mineral and a polymorph of silica (SiO2). It has a zeolite-like porous structure which results in relatively low and not well-defined values of its density and refractive index. Melanophlogite often overgrows crystals of sulfur or calcite and typically contains a few percent of organic and sulfur compounds. Darkening of organics in melanophlogite upon heating is a possible origin of its name, which comes from the Greek for "black" and "to be burned".

Melanophlogite Market Value Calculator

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

Melanophlogite Localities Map

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

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North ZoneCentral RidgeSouth Basin

Key Characteristics

Formation of Melanophlogite

Melanophlogite is a rare mineral which usually forms round drops (see infobox) or complex intertwinned overgrowth structures over sulfur or calcite crystals. Rarely, it occurs as individual cubic crystallites a few millimeters in size. It is found in Parma, Torino, Caltanissetta and Livorno provinces of Italy; also in several mines of California in the US, in Crimea (Ukraine) and Pardubice Region (Czech Republic).