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www.mineralgallery.co.za Minerals A-E |
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Ajoite |
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Name
Ajoite
Chemistry
CaCuAlSi2O6(OH)3 Hydrated potassium Sodium Copper Aluminum Silicate Hydroxide.
Uses
As a specimen and as a minor ore of copper
Color
Blue green to light green
Hardness
3.5
Specific gravity
2.9-3.1
Ajoite can be seen as an inclusion in the quartz.
The color is a celestial blue. This stone has become popular because of it's beautiful blue color. The intense blues is caused by a complex mineral of hydrated potassium sodium copper aluminum silicate hydroxide in the crystal. The most sought after specimens are from the copper mines at Messina in South Africa. This mine has been closed for many years and any specimens that are available oftentimes fetches a high price.
The stone was first discovered in Ajo in Arizona and was named after this locality. It is associated with plancheite and papagoite. It often forms small tufts with the amazing ajoite color.
Ajoite (pronounced ah - hoe - ite) is one of the rarest and most sought after crystals in the world. It is one of the only crystals that appeals equally to both the serious mineral collectors as well as to metaphysical users and crystal healers. It features quite strongly in Melody's best selling book "Love is in the earth - A kaleidoscope of crystals."
It usually appears as light blue phantoms within quartz crystals. Secondary inclusions sometimes occurring with ajoite which are hematite, limonite, papgoite and chlorite. It was first discovered by the Papago Indian tribe in Ajo, Pomona county, Arizona where is was worn in the belief that it would bring the bearer peacefulness and purity and was highly valued as an ornamental and jewellery artefact of great power.
Up until 1960 this was the only known occurrence of this beautiful mineral. The Messina copper mine in the Northern Transvaal, South Africa had hit a pocket of ajoite way back in 1947 - but had not recognised it as such and it was only when they hit a second pocket in 1960 that it was correctly identified.
Since 1960, there were only 9 pockets found, always where the copper ore seam crosses over the Messina fault, where the movement of the earth's crust has left cavities and therefore space, for these rare and beautiful crystals to form. The last 2 pockets were found in 1991 by the chief tunnel blaster, Harry Smith, at 14th level - 5th shaft, at depth of over 4000 foot below the surface.
The mine was closed down in 1992 and , because of the dangerous nature of the tunnels, it was dynamited and concreted closed. In all likeliness, never to open again. As a result, ajoite crystals have become almost impossible to obtain.
