description Dumortierite Overview
Dumortierite is a fibrous aluminum borosilicate mineral that commonly forms columnar crystals or parallel aggregates. It was first described in 1881 from France and named for the French paleontologist Eugène Dumortier. Its colors include bright blue, greenish blue, violet, purple, red-violet, and brown; aluminum-rich metamorphic rocks and pegmatitic veins are common host settings, and massive aggregates may be polished as ornamental stone.
help Dumortierite FAQ
Why is dumortierite usually blue?
Dumortierite commonly appears bright blue, greenish blue, violet, or purple because of trace elements and its aluminum borosilicate structure. Some specimens are brown, pink, or gray.
Who was dumortierite named after?
Dumortierite was named after Eugène Dumortier, a French paleontologist. The mineral was first described in 1881 from France.
What does dumortierite look like under a microscope?
Dumortierite commonly forms fibrous or columnar crystals arranged in parallel aggregates. This texture can give polished material a streaked or chatoyant appearance.
Is dumortierite a durable gemstone?
Dumortierite is generally suitable for cabochons and ornamental stone when the material is compact. Its fibrous structure means that finished pieces still need normal care to avoid chips and abrasion.
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