#bytownite

[mineralsrocksandfossiltalks]

SCIENCE SATURDAY!

All month, I have been teaching y'all bits and pieces about the minerals known as feldspars. They are the most common minerals in earth's crust. Today, we are going to learn some of the basic chemistry behind feldspar crystallization and erosion.

FELDSPAR CHEMISTRY

Feldspars are formed as a precipitate as magmas cool. As a result, there are many different kinds. Below is a phase diagram:

Ignore B, all we care about it the colorful triangle. All right, so we have 3 endmembers: Orthoclase (kspar), Albite (sodium plag), and Anorthite (calcium plag). Then, there are all the minerals in between which have different mixed percentages of sodium, calcium and/or potassium. For example, Bytownite is 70-90% calcium and 30-10% sodium. See why there are so many types?

All right, now magma. Magmas cool at different rates for various reasons I really don't want to go into because I am a paleontologist, not an igneous petrologist and that research I don't feel like doing.

Feldspar structure: feldspars have what is called a "crankshaft" structure. We have a bunch of tetrahedrons linked by shared oxygen molecules and we make these fun hexagons.

Now, the basic chemical formula is (X)AlSi3O8. What we are essentially seeing is an Al 3+ substituted in for an Si 4+ causing a charge imbalance because 3 does not equal 4. This requires additional cations (called coupled substitutions).

EXAMPLE: Al 3+ and Na+ or K+ OR 2Al 3+ and 1 Ca 2+

Where is the aluminum? That depends on the temperature of our magma! High temperatures make the position more random while low temps make it more ordered.

If we look at kspar (geologists are lazy and potassium feldspar is a lot to say) we have a K-Al coupled substitution with three polymorphs controlled by temperature and ordering. If we set up a graph where the y-axis is cooling rate and the x-axis is order, we would see the feldspar Sanidine has the lowest order and the fastest cooling and Microcline has the highest order and the slowest cooling while Orthoclase is somewhere in the middle.

Plagioclase has a complete solid solution between the endmembers Albite and Anorthite as I described earlier. Things to note are temperature (once again) plays an important role. Albite forms in low temp magma (800 degrees Celsius) and Anorthite forms in high temp magmas (1100 degrees Celsius). Yes, I know, 800 is a lot but not as mush as 1100 so deal.

They also contain different amounts of silica (SiO2). Albite is 75% silica while Anorthite only has 50%. Anorthite is also the first felspar mineral to crystallize in cooling magma.

HYDROLYSIS

This is the chemical weathering of feldspars into clays such as illite, kaolinite, and smectite.

(That last one overlooks the dinosaur site I work at).

Due to the high temps that feldspars form at, they are not very stable at the surface. Therefore, they weather extraordinarily easily. Hydrolysis happens when water reacts with feldspar minerals (basic or acidic water works best because IONS). The feldspars are dissolved and then produce new ions in solution (K+, Ca2+, Na+).

Here is an example:

And now you know a little bit about the chemistry of feldspars!

[craig-of-the-tweek]

I’m currently in this Stick of Truth AU! I’ve created an outfit for Tricia who is a thief! Her thief name is Bytownite!

[beatrice-reden-official]

Actinolite Nephrite Adamite Aegerine Afghanite Agate Iris Agate Onyx Sardonyx Agrellite Albite Alunite Amblygonite Analcime Anatase Andalusite Chiastolite Andesine Anglesite Anhydrite Annabergite

Antigorite

Bowenite

Apatite

Apophyllite

Aragonite

Arfvedsonite

Astrophyllite

Atacamite

Austinite

Axinite group:

Ferroaxinite

Magnesioaxinite

Manganaxinite

Tinzenite

Azurite

Baryte

Bastnaesite

Bayldonite

Benitoite

Beryl subgroup:

Aquamarine

Bixbite

Emerald

Goshenite

Golden beryl

Heliodor

Morganite

Beryllonite

Beudantite

Biotite

Boleite

Boracite

Bornite

Brazilianite

Bronzite

Brookite

Brucite

Bustamite

Bytownite

Calcite

Manganocalcite

Caledonite

Cancrinite

Vishnevite

Carletonite

Carnallite

Carnelian

Cassiterite

Cavansite

Celestite

Cerussite

Chabazite

Chalcopyrite

Chambersite

Charlesite

Charoite

Childrenite

Chloromelanite

Chondrodite

Chrysoberyl

Alexandrite

Cymophane

Chromite

Chrysocolla

Chrysoprase

Chrysotile

Cinnabar

Citrine

Clinochlore

Clinohumite

Clinozoisite

Clintonite

Cordierite

Iolite

Corundum

Ruby

Sapphire

Padparadscha

Covellite

Creedite

Cryolite

Cuprite

Danburite

Datolite

Diamond

Bort

Diaspore

Diopside

Dioptase

Dolomite

Dravite

Dumortierite

Elbaite

Emerald

Trapiche emerald Enstatite

Bronzite

Hypersthene

Eosphorite

Epidote

Piemontite

Erythrite

Esperite

Ettringite

Euclase

Eudialyte

Fayalite

Ferroaxinite

Feldspar subgroup:

Andesine

Albite

Anorthite

Anorthoclase

Amazonite

Bytownite

Celsian

Labradorite

Microcline

Moonstone

Orthoclase

Sanidine

Sunstone

Fluorapatite

Fluorapophyllite

Fluorite

Forsterite

Gahnite

Pyralspite

Almandine

Pyrope

Spessartine

Ugrandite

Andradite

Demantoid

Melanite

Topazolite

Grossular

Hessonite

Hydrogrossular

Tsavorite

Uvarovite

Almandine-Pyrope

Rhodolite

rock

diamond coal iron reds stone gold

[stalcryshop]

The Difference Between Moonstone And Labradorite

Ⅰ. Composition and Mineralogy: Moonstone is a type of feldspar mineral known as orthoclase, with a chemical composition of potassium aluminum silicate. It belongs to the same mineral family as other feldspar gems like sunstone and amazonite. Labradorite, on the other hand, is a plagioclase feldspar, composed mainly of sodium and calcium aluminum silicate. It is part of the larger feldspar group, which includes stones like spectrolite and bytownite.

Ⅱ. Color and Iridescence: Both moonstone and labradorite exhibit a captivating play of colors, but their color characteristics differ. Moonstone typically displays a soft blue or white adularescence, a phenomenon caused by light scattering off microscopic layers within the stone. This gives moonstone a gentle glow and a sense of ethereal beauty. Labradorite, on the other hand, showcases a broader spectrum of vibrant colors, including blues, greens, yellows, and oranges. This play of colors, known as labradorescence, is caused by light interacting with fine layers of minerals within the stone.

Ⅲ. Transparency and Clarity: Moonstone is commonly translucent to semi-transparent, with its adularescence effect visible in these translucent areas. It often possesses a certain degree of clarity, with some stones exhibiting natural inclusions known as "rainbow sheen." Labradorite can range from translucent to opaque, with varying degrees of clarity. Its labradorescence is usually more pronounced in stones with higher transparency.

Ⅳ. Hardness and Durability: In terms of hardness, moonstone ranks between 6 and 6.5 on the Mohs scale, which makes it relatively delicate compared to other gemstones. Labradorite, with a hardness of 6 to 6.5 as well, shares a similar level of susceptibility to scratches and chipping. Both gemstones require careful handling and protection to prevent damage during daily wear.

Ⅴ. Availability and Origin: Moonstone can be found in various regions around the world, including Sri Lanka, India, Myanmar, and the United States. It has been used in jewelry for centuries and is relatively accessible. Labradorite is more commonly sourced from locations such as Madagascar, Canada, Finland, and Russia. While it has gained popularity in recent years, labradorite is generally less abundant than moonstone.

In summary, moonstone and labradorite are distinct gemstones with their own unique characteristics. Moonstone exhibits a soft blue or white adularescence, while labradorite displays vibrant colors through labradorescence. Moonstone is typically translucent, while labradorite can range from translucent to opaque. Both gemstones require careful handling due to their moderate hardness. Consider personal preferences and the desired optical effects when choosing between moonstone and labradorite for jewelry or decorative purposes.

[ainews]

Bytownite, a form of miswired quartz found near Ottawa, Canada, is considered to be among the least valuable minerals in the world. Despite its low value, the rock's history and formation are both fascinating.

Bytownite was first discovered in the 1800s near what is now the city of Ottawa, Canada. It was named after the former settlement of Bytown, which is now known as the city of Ottawa.

Bytownite is made up of linked quartz grains with misalignments that sometimes occur naturally due to a variety of geological processes. The misalignment causes the quartz to have a slightly different composition from regular quartz crystal, resulting in faint, smoky coloring not found on regular quartz.

The low value of bytownite is largely due to its lack of durability and use. It is very soft and fragile compared to other types of quartz, making it difficult to work with. Even when polished, it is difficult to see the details of the misalignments that give the rock its distinct appearance. Also, due to its lack of uses, there is not a large demand for it from any industry.

Despite its relative obscurity, bytownite has something to offer for those interested in the mineral and its history. Its formation and appearance have challenged many concepts surrounding traditional geology, and its rarity makes it a valuable object for collectors. Its association with the city of Ottawa, Canada, also makes it a unique part of the city's history and culture.

[wizard-irl]

Plagioclase Care Guide

Composition: (Na,Ca)[(Si,Al)AlSi₂]O₈

Hardness: 6-6.5 (scratched by steel nail)

Varieties

Anorthite

Bytownite

Labradorite

Andesine

Oligoclase (sunstone)

Albite

Hydrosensitivity: Unreactive.

Photosensitivity: Unreactive.

Thermosensitivity: Unreactive.

Reactivity: Unreactive.

Fragility: Not fragile.

Toxicity: Not toxic.

Recommended care: Nothing specific.

Conditions are described based on normal use. Sources and definitions below the cut.

Definitions

Composition: Chemical composition

Hardness: Mohs hardness, gauges how tough a crystal is

Varieties: List of varieties a crystal can be.

Hydrosensitivity: Ability to be damaged or altered by exposure to or lack of water. Crystals should never be submerged in water for long regardless of their hydrosensitivity, and salt water can damage crystals no matter what.

Photosensitivity: Ability to be damaged or altered by light, often light with UV rays (sunlight).

Thermosensitivity: Ability to be damaged or altered by heat, often high heat.

Reactivity: Any other notable reactivities.

Fragility: Ease that the crystal breaks or scratches.

Toxicity: Note of anything toxic inherent to the crystal's chemical composition. Not toxic does not mean you should eat it!

Recommended care: The recommended course of action for this crystal.

Other notes: Any other care notes.

Sources

"Plagioclase", MinDat.

"The Care of Minerals", Journal of the Russell Society.

"Solubility Data on 646 Common and Not So Common Minerals", MinDat.

[caramujotan]

You're 6'8"?! Impressive.

spiritually yes

[overflowchute]

city of meat and welcome to the bathroom theme songs? i need to listen to those. have you uploaded them anywhere?

don’t say i didn’t warn you. they were intentionally made to be bad

1

2

[wingwaver]

yeah i agree about the metal music

Yeah like there's a few songs I've heard that sounded like they were trying WAY too hard to be edgy and it just kinda kills the vibe 😔

Even some of the stuff that has you like "oh wow so edgy~" can be fun but there's a point where you hear something and go, "man this is the best you can do? that's kinda sad :/"

[dirbobfosse]

it isnt him idk what those people are talking about. unless josh ovalle isnt the original guy who made the meme. idk

ok thank you i knew i wasn’t crazy

[sergle]

they say lack of sleep is probably the cause of alzheimer's.... stay safe

Way to bring down the mood, fam! 

[astriline]

here I'll give you a better one: Miles Edgeworth

Sexuality Headcanon: gay!

Gender Headcanon: Cravat

A ship I have with said character: Him with Phoenix Wright (narumitsu, wrightworth, edgewright) because im predictable 

A BROTP I have with said character: with Dick Gumshoe and Franziska von Karma!

A NOTP I have with said character: him and Franziska. they’re adopted siblings first of all and he’s 7 years older. They met when he was 10 and she was 3, by the time Franziska is introduced in the games he’s 25 and she’s 18 so yeah. big yikes at everyone who ships them 

A random headcanon: he’s autistic and his hyperfixation is the Steel Samurai!

General Opinion over said character: i just think he’s neat

[canadachild9]

🎁/skekSo

send me 🎁and a character and ill describe them using images i already have saved

[salemlucien]

whens your birthday? /date of manufacturing

I was delivered as a gift to this world on December 15th.

[constellations-and-energy]

Bytownite 

Metaphysical Properties: Known as Golden Labradorite Stone, Bytownite is an incredibly powerful Solar Plexus stone, associated with everything that supports this energy point. The stone enhances the holder’s vitality, courage, purposefulness, etc. This stone carries the energy of the Sun, making it a great stone for solar witches to work with. Combining this stone with Moonstone can create a wonderful connection and dichotomy that offers an energy that is unified. The stone enhances the holder’s consciousness and allows them to feel more in control and empowered. 

Zodiac: *None found, but gives off big Leo energy* 

[diegosouzalions]

Yellow D and Holly Blue

Bytownite