Scheelite

Scheelite is quite soft and is therefore faceted only for collectors for the unusual. It has high dispersion and good fire, and varies in color from a pale yellowish white to brown. Colorless synthetic scheelite is used to imitate diamond. However, it can be distinguished by its birefringence. It may also be colored by trace metals in order to imitate other gemstones.

Occurrence

Scheelite is found in pegmatites and metamorphic rocks. Very large crystals over 0.5kg (1lb) have been collected in Brazil. Still, larger crystals are not sufficiently transparent to be faceted. Other localities include Italy, Australia, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, England, France, and Finland.

Scheelite Properties

• Specific Gravity: 6.10
• Refractive Index: 1.92-1.93
• Birefringence (DR): 0.017
• Luster: Vitreous to adamantine
• Crystal Structure: Tetragonal
• Composition: Calcium tungstate
• Hardness: 5

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