What is thomsonite stone?
Thomsonite is one of the rarer zeolites. It forms tight acicular radiating clusters and sphericules as well as some blockier crystals and is found in the vesicles or bubbles of volcanic rock, as are most other zeolites.
Is thomsonite an agate?
It is named for the Scottish chemist Thomas Thomson. The crystal system of thomsonite is orthorhombic. The Mohs hardness is 5 to 5.5. It is transparent to translucent and has a density of 2.3 to 2.4….
| Thomsonite | |
|---|---|
| Cleavage | perfect on {010}; good on {100} |
| Mohs scale hardness | 5-51⁄2 |
| Luster | vitreous, pearly |
| Streak | white |
Where is thomsonite rock found?
Thomsonite is sometimes found on Isle Royale and in the Keweenaw Peninsula of Michigan. In the Keweenaw we also find a mineral that often mimics Thomsonite.
What is Minnesota’s official gemstone?
Lake Superior agate
Its wide distribution and iron-rich bands of color reflect the state gemstone’s geologic history in Minnesota. In 1969 the dream of Mrs. Jean Dahlberg was realized: The Lake Superior agate was designated by the Minnesota Legislature as the official state gemstone.
What is thomsonite good for?
Thomsonite crystals are part of the zeolite family, and the properties of stones like these have a lot in common with other zeolites. In particular, are helpful to assist the removal of toxins from the body. Other attributes of Thomsonite include their action to unite your emotions with your thinking.
What is thomsonite worth?
The typical value range of these thomsonites is anywhere from $5 to $20 per gram, according to Keith. The three main factors that account for the price of this gem are linear fractures, “eyes”, and greenish hues.
What does raw thomsonite look like?
Thomsonite Information. Orthorhombic. Crystals prismatic or acicular, and very rare; usually compact, or in radial or fibrous aggregates. Colorless, white yellowish, pink, greenish, grayish.
Why does Lake Superior have agates?
Over 1 billion years ago, lava flowed through in the area we now know as Lake Superior. As the lava cooled, air pockets filled with mineral rich water, depositing layers of chalcedony quartz that hardened together to form agates.
Why are Lake Superior rocks red?
The Lake Superior agate is noted for its rich red, orange, and yellow coloring. This color scheme is caused by the oxidation of iron. Iron leached from rocks provided the pigment that gives the gemstone its beautiful array of color.
How much does thomsonite cost?
Where can I find thomsonite in Minnesota?
Thomsonite Inn is unique in that it sits on a section of Lake Superior’s shoreline that features “Minnesota’s Gemstone”, Thomsonite. Thomsonite is a rare mineral which was first discovered on the North Shore in 1879.
How much are superior agates worth?
Most agates are cheap ($1 – $10), but some can be very expensive ($100 – $3000) depending on their type, colors, and the location where they were found. Tumbled agate is automatically more expensive than raw agate and those with very vibrant colors, fine bands or are found in one place only also cost more.