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www.mineralgallery.co.za Minerals P-T |
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Scheelite |
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Name
Scheelite
Chemistry
Ca[WO4] Calcium Wolframite
Uses
It is used to harden steel and it is also collected as a mineral specimen
Color
White to pale yellow
Hardness
4.5-5
Specific gravity
5.6-6.1 - Heavy
Crystals
Tretragonal.
Accompanied by:
Wolframite.
Fracture
Luster
Vitreous.
Cleavage
Pyramidal distinct.
Streak
White.
Similar to:
Cassiterite,molybdenite,fluorite,topaz.
Crystals
Tretragonal.
Accompanied by:
Wolframite.
Fracture
Luster
Vitreous.
Cleavage
Pyramidal distinct.
Streak
White.
Similar to:
Cassiterite,molybdenite,fluorite,topaz.
Scheelite, calcium tungstate, is an ore mineral of the metal tungsten, which is used to harden steel and other metals.
It forms pyramidal and tabular crystals (tetragonal system) and columnar or granular masses that vary in color from white through pale yellow. Hardness is 4.5 to 5, streak is white, luster is glossy, and specific gravity is 5.6 to 6.1.
The fact that it fluoresces bright blue white under ultraviolet light, enables prospectors to search for it at night, using portable "black" lights. It occurs in veins or pegmatites associated with granite or gneiss, and in contact metamorphic deposits.