Ultra rare Gahnospinel from a find almost a decade ago. From Kagoro, Kaduna State, Nigeria
Great display face
8.3 x 8.0 x 7.0 mm / 2.865 carats
Estimate: $275 - $375
**Gahnite spinel (ZnAl₂O₄)** is a specific member of the spinel group characterized by zinc (Zn) occupying the divalent cation position in the spinel structure. **Gahnospinel** refers to a solid solution in the spinel group where there is a mixture of zinc (Zn) and other divalent cations such as magnesium (Mg) or iron (Fe) in the spinel structure. Essentially, gahnospinel represents a compositional range between gahnite (ZnAl₂O₄) and other spinels like spinel sensu stricto (MgAl₂O₄). In summary, while gahnite spinel is a specific type of spinel with a high concentration of zinc, gahnospinel denotes a broader category where zinc is present alongside other cations, forming a solid solution. (Credit ChatGPT)
