Bayldonite Value, Price, and Jewelry Information

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By Tony Hisgett from Birmingham, UK (BayldoniteUploaded by tm) [CC-BY-2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Bayldonite is a nondescript greenish material that has been cut into cabochons by enterprising collectors of the unusual. Cut bayldonites are a rarity, nonetheless, and are seldom seen in collections. The luster of cabochons is sometimes almost metallic and provides a curious appearance to the cut stones. Bayldonite provides a curious appearance to the cut stones. Bayldonite is compact but too soft for rings; it could be worm in bola ties and pendants.

Bayldonite Information

Data Value
Name Bayldonite
Colors Various shades of yellowish green.
Hardness 4.5
Fracture Conchoidal to irregular
Cleavage Not observed
Stone Sizes Cabochons only for massive, fibrous material from Tsumeb.
Formula (Pb, Cu)3 (AsO4)2(OH)2
Crystallography Monoclinic. Fibrous concretions; massive, granular.
Refractive Index 1.95-1.99
Birefringence 0.004
Dispersion No data.
Luminescence None
Absorption Spectrum Not diagnostic.
Pleochroism No data.
Optics α = 1.95; β = 1.97 γ = 1.99. Biaxial (+), 2V large.
Optic Sign Biaxial +
Luminescence Present No
Luster Resinous. Cabochons may appear almost metallic.
Specific Gravity 5.5
Transparency Translucent to transparent.

OPTICS: α = 1.95; β = 1.97 γ = 1.99

Biaxial (+), 2V large

OCCURRENCE: Secondary mineral in Pb-Cu deposits.

England; France.

Tsumeb, Namibia: only major occurrence

COMMENTS: Bayldonite is a nondescript greenish material that has been cut into cabochons by enterprising collectors of the unusual. Cut bayldonites are a rarity, nonetheless, and are seldom seen in collections. The luster of cabochons is sometimes almost metallic and provides a curious appearance to the cut stones. Bayldonite provides a curious appearance to the cut stones. Bayldonite is compact but too soft for rings; it could be worm in bola ties and pendants.

NAME: After Mr. John Bayldon.

by Joel E. Arem, Ph.D., FGA

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