4" Hackmanite Sphere TF1901

4" Hackmanite Sphere
Approx. Dimensions: 4xx inches
Approx. Weight: 1188 grams
Locality: Karnasurt Mountain, Murmansk Oblast, Russia
Wood sphere stand is included!

The first series of photos shows the sphere reacting under a long-wave ultraviolet light. When This sphere is exposed to UV light, it will change color in areas to a light purple. The longer and more intense UV exposure it receives will make the purple even deeper. It will change back to its normal state after 30 minutes to an hour.

Hackmanite is a rare and unique variety of the mineral sodalite, known for its remarkable color-changing property called tenebrescence. Originating primarily from Greenland, Afghanistan, and Canada, hackmanite exhibits a fascinating phenomenon where it changes color upon exposure to ultraviolet light or sunlight. Initially appearing pale pink or violet, hackmanite can transform into a more intense purple or reddish-violet hue when subjected to UV radiation, with the altered color gradually fading when removed from light. Chemically, hackmanite is a member of the feldspathoid group of minerals, composed mainly of sodium, aluminum, silicon, and chlorine. It has a relatively low hardness of 5.5 to 6 on the Mohs scale and typically forms in igneous rocks, especially in nepheline syenite pegmatites. Hackmanite's distinctive color-changing property has captivated mineral enthusiasts and collectors, contributing to its appeal in both scientific study and lapidary arts.