Hackmanite

Hackmanite is an extremely rare form of Sodalite which demonstrates tenebrescence; the changing of colour when exposed to sunlight.

In most cases, this is a change from light purple to colourless – but in the case of pieces from Afghanistan, the change is from light purple to dark purple.

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Information about Hackmanite

Hackmanite is a variety of sodalite that exhibits tenebrescence, meaning it changes colour when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light and reverts in darkness.

It is a rare and visually striking mineral, known for its pastel shades of pink, violet, or greyish colours.


Uses and History

Hackmanite is primarily used as a gemstone and a collector’s mineral. Its tenebrescent property makes it highly sought after for jewelry, particularly for pieces that emphasize its colour-changing ability. In addition to its ornamental value, hackmanite is of interest to scientists studying fluorescence and tenebrescence in minerals.

Hackmanite was discovered in Greenland and named after Finnish geologist Victor Axel Hackman, who contributed to the study of Scandinavian minerals.

 


Mineralogy

Chemistry
A sodium aluminium silicate mineral with the formula Na8Al6Si6O24Cl2.
Colours and Variations

Pink, violet, purple, grey, white.

Streak
White.
Luster
Transparency
Opaque to translucent
Fracture
Crystal habit
Massive, typically.
Mohs hardness
Fluorescence
Orange-red under UV light.
Specific Gravity
Easiest testing method
Examine it under UV light.

Hazards and Warnings

Mineral collectors should wash their hands after handling specimens, to avoid any exposure to potential toxins.

Almost all rocks, minerals (and, frankly, almost all other substances on earth) can produce toxic dust when cutting, which can cause serious respiratory conditions including silicosis.

When cutting or polishing rocks, minerals, shells, etc, all work should be done wet to minimise the dust, and a suitable respirator or extraction system should be used.

 


Translations

Arabic:

Hindi:

Portuguese:

  • Hackmanita

Bengali:

Indonesian:

Punjabi:

English:

Italian:

Russian:

  • Хакманит

French:

Japanese:

  • ハックマナイト

Spanish:

  • Hackmanita

German:

  • Hackmanit

Korean:

  • 해크마나이트

Thai:

Gujurati:

Mandarin Chinese:

  • 紫方钠石

Urdu:


Further Reading / External Links