Nifontovite

Nifontovite is named after R. V. Nifontov, Russian geologist.

Nifontovite forms transparent to translucent colourless to gray tabular crystals up to 6 cm long.

Nifontovite is a very rare gem found in just a few localities around the world. Crystals from Charcas, Mexico are transparent, colourless and relatively large.

Nifontovite Gemstones by Colour

This table shows the variety of hues this gemstone can be found in. Click on a photo for more information.
 

Nifontovite Gemstones by Size

This table shows distribution of Nifontovite gemstone sizes that are listed on this site. This can give a good indication as to the general availability of this gemstone in different sizes.
Contributed photos
Lightest:1.58 cts
Heaviest:3.06 cts
Average:2.16 cts
Total photos:5
Do you have a larger Nifontovite? Why not upload a photo?
1.58ct to 1.73ct1.73ct to 1.88ct1.88ct to 2.02ct2.02ct to 2.17ct2.17ct to 2.32ct2.32ct to 2.47ct2.47ct to 2.62ct2.62ct to 2.76ct2.76ct to 2.91ct2.91ct to 3.06ct
General Information
Chemical Formula
Ca
 
3
B
 
6
O
 
6
(OH)
 
12
· 2H
 
2
O
Anthony et al, Handbook of Mineralogy (2001)
Photos of natural/un-cut material from mindat.org
Physical Properties of Nifontovite
Mohs Hardness3.5 to 5
Anthony et al, Handbook of Mineralogy (2001)
Specific Gravity2.35 to 2.36
Anthony et al, Handbook of Mineralogy (2001)
Cleavage QualityPoor
Anthony et al, Handbook of Mineralogy (2001)
Optical Properties of Nifontovite
Refractive Index1.573 to 1.585
Anthony et al, Handbook of Mineralogy (2001)
Optical CharacterBiaxial/+
Anthony et al, Handbook of Mineralogy (2001)
DispersionStrong
Anthony et al, Handbook of Mineralogy (2001)
Colour
Colour (General)Colorless to gray; colorless in thin section
Anthony et al, Handbook of Mineralogy (2001)
TransparencyTransparent,Translucent
Anthony et al, Handbook of Mineralogy (2001) Semitransparent
LustreVitreous
Anthony et al, Handbook of Mineralogy (2001)
Fluorescence & other light emissions
Fluorescence (Long-Wave UV)Fluoresces violet
Anthony et al, Handbook of Mineralogy (2001)
Crystallography of Nifontovite
Crystal SystemMonoclinic
Anthony et al, Handbook of Mineralogy (2001)
HabitTabular crystals, to 6 cm; granular.
Anthony et al, Handbook of Mineralogy (2001)
Geological Environment
Where found:In a skarn formed by quartz diorite intruding limestone (Novofrolovskoye deposit, Russia); near gehlenite-spurrite skarn (Fuka, Japan).
Anthony et al, Handbook of Mineralogy (2001)
Further Information
Mineral information:Nifontovite information at mindat.org
Significant Gem Localities
Mexico
 
  • San Luis Potosí
    • Charcas Municipality
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