A complex structure of tiny exsolved particles and milky texture clouds outline the shape of this crystal at an earlier stage in its growth. This stone is from Queensland’s Lava Plains mines. The black crystal in the center is probably columbite (a.k.a. niobite).
Natural Sapphire • Australia • Enhancements: None Detected (None) • Lighting Conditions: Dark Field + Oblique Fiber Optic
Photographer: E. Billie Hughes •
Image Number: A-001-3513-4 • Date Posted: 08 December 2015
Sutherland, F.L., Coenraads, R.R. et al. (2015) Corundum (sapphire) and zircon relationships, Lava Plains gem fields, NE Australia: Integrated mineralogy, geochemistry, age determination, genesis and geographical typing. Mineralogical Magazine, Vol. 79, No. 3, pp. 545–581; not seen.