Danburite has a relatively new history compared to other gemstones, having only been discovered in 1839. Through the years, this stone has become popular as a substitute for other stones like topaz. It is a relatively hard crystal and can be polished to produce a brilliant and beautiful finish. Unlike similar mineral gemstones, danburite is not recognized as a birthstone, though it is sometimes associated with the astrological birth sign of Leo the lion. The crystal is often confused with other birthstone gemstones such as tourmaline, topaz, apatite and andulsite. This gemstone has become very popular as a fashion accessory and can be found in a wide variety of sizes, cuts and settings. Since it a relatively hard gemstone, it can be worn without much concern for damage from cracking or fracture. Price per carat varies widely based on the quality of the cutting and polishing and ranges anywhere from ten dollars per carat to one hundred dollars per carat.



Where is Danburite found?

Danburite was originally discovered in Danbury, Connecticut and can be found in several locales around the world including Mexico, Madagascar, Japan, Central Europe and parts of Southeast Asia.

Powers and Uses Through The Ages

Because this stone has a relatively short history, from the early nineteenth century to the present, there are no known uses for danburite as a religious or worship symbol. Some members of the New Age community have adopted this stone claiming it offers a variety of healing properties. Some people believe that the stone has vibration-type qualities which can enhance or stimulate intellectual activity in the brain or increase a persons psychic abilities and could bring on visits by angels and other-wordly beings, especially during dreams. Others in the New Age community claim that this stone can eliminate certain diseases and other medical conditions including diseases of certain organs like the liver and gall bladder. Still others claim that this crystal can bring on positive emotional changes and can help deal with certain self-destructive behaviors. Still others believe that crystals, including danburite, can be programmed to achieve a desired result from a particular stone.

Artificial Forms of Enhancement

There are no known artificial enhancements that can be applied to danburite.

Color

The color of these stones can vary from translucent to pale pink or yellowish brown.

Some Scientific Information on Danburite

The chemical name CaB2Si2O2 or calcium borosilicate

Hardness measures 7 on the Mohs scale - the Mohs scale measures the hardness of metals, minerals, gemstones and crystals on a scale of 1 to 10. For example the hardness properties of most quartz crystals fall around 7 on the scale, as does steel and titanium. Diamond is the hardest known substance on the Mohs scale coming in at a hard 10. To most consumers hardness generally reflects the stones able to resist scratches and cracks.

Cleavage is indistinct and imperfect

Birefringence is weak at .006

Index of refraction ranges from 1.63-1.636

Specific Gravity ranges from 2.07 to 3.03

Crystalline System is Orthorhombic

The optic sign is of this stone varies from positive to negative depending on the type of light reflected through it.