Shortite

Shortite is named after M.N. Short, Professor of Mineralogy, University of Arizona, Tucson, USA.

Shortite forms characteristic transparent colourless, light yellow, yellow, light green wedge-shaped crystals. The material slowly decomposes in water.

Shortite is a very rare gem. Faceted stones are scarce.
General Information
Chemical Formula
Na
 
2
Ca
 
2
(CO
 
3
)
 
3
Michael O?Donoghue, Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
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Physical Properties of Shortite
Mohs Hardness3
Ulrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda, Gemmological Tables (2004)
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Specific Gravity2.61
Ulrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda, Gemmological Tables (2004)
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TenacityBrittle
Arthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009)
Cleavage QualityDistinct
Ulrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda, Gemmological Tables (2004)
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FractureConchoidal
Arthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009)
Optical Properties of Shortite
Refractive Index1.530 to 1.569
Ulrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda, Gemmological Tables (2004)
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Optical CharacterBiaxial/-
Ulrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda, Gemmological Tables (2004)
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Birefringence0.039
Michael O?Donoghue, Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
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PleochroismYellow - green - gray
Ulrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda, Gemmological Tables (2004)
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DispersionModerate
Arthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009)
Colour
Colour (General)Yellow
Ulrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda, Gemmological Tables (2004)
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TransparencyTransparent
Ulrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda, Gemmological Tables (2004)
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LustreVitreous
Arthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009)
Fluorescence & other light emissions
Fluorescence (Short Wave UV)Pale amber fluorescence
Anthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001)
Crystallography of Shortite
Crystal SystemOrthorhombic
Ulrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda, Gemmological Tables (2004)
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HabitWedge-shaped crystals
Michael O?Donoghue, Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
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Geological Environment
Where found:Occurs in association with an intrusive alkalic gabbrio-syenitic complex
Michael O?Donoghue, Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
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Further Information
Mineral information:Shortite information at mindat.org
Significant Gem Localities
Canada
 
  • Québec
    • Montérégie
      • La Vallée-du-Richelieu RCM
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