Need help identifing an ore sample.

[Richard36]

I need help with some ore samples. I have a basic idea where to begin, and have taken some peliminary data

first I did the scratch test on a white tile.

The sample does not leave a color mark whatsoever. It will scratch the glazed side of the ceramic tile.

Sample turned blue when I used it as a cathode. as seen at the upper portion of the picture.

Basic info is the sample is a shimmery blue/Grey metallic color Light, but extremely hard. found them while digging out a tree stump..

Just a thought here, But being that it is hard as well as light weight with a blue tinge from being exposed to electrolysis, I would suspect that it is some sort of titanium copper silicate. Titanium is an extremely high temperature metal, and if I remember correctly, it requires around 5000 degress F just to melt it, so that would explain why an acetalene, or map torch would not melt it. Ti is also quite hard, and in combination with silicon, it would be extremely hard. That explains the dilema with the hacksaw, as far as cutting it goes. Ti is also light weight, and would explain the absence of heft. Most sulfides have an obvious feel of weight to them, which is what this material looks like, but quite obviously is not. most sulfides range in hardness from 2 - 5.5, and would crumble if pressure were applied, or an attempt to cut it were made, which this material did not do.The blue color from electrolysis would most likely indicate the presence of copper, and that the material is electrically conductive. If this is a naturally occuring material, It should have dissolved in one of the common acids. Since it did not, that rules out all sulfides that I am aware of. That makes this an unusual material, and therefore it is something new to me. I would like to know for sure what it is as well.

Sincerely; Rick.

 

[Dr.Cooper]

According yours previous tests it seem as a hard mineral.
Check and confront the following properties of the mineral named Gahnite.
It is rare and almost a semi precious stone. If it, and you find a lapidary, surelly can make some money.


GAHNITE Al2 O4 Zn

Cubic sistem.

Especific weight: 4 - 4,6

Hardness: 7,5 - 8

Color: dark green, brown, dark gray, and from dark blue to black.

Bright: vitreous

streak: gray (over touch stone, no mark over porcelain)

Fracture: concoid

Fusibility: 1700 C. (near quartz). Over coal the fine powder mix whit CO3 Na + Borax (1:1) aureola of zinc.

Soluble by fusion with S2 O7 K2. |