Nuummite is a gemstone frormed from a mixture of tow minerals from the orthoamphibole group: anthophyllite andgedrite. The name Nuummite is derived from the Municipality of Nuuk, where the stone was discovered in 1982. It has since been found in several localities in the outer part of the Godthaabsfjord near Nuuk. Geologically speaking, Nuummite was formed about 3 billion years ago. Subsequent influences on the rock (metamorphism) have given rise to the striking mixture of crystsals which gives Nuummite itsumique appearance. Rocks resembling Nuummite are also found in few minor occurrences in USA, but it is only in Greenland type that color a tion is developed well enough for the stone to de suitable for gemstones.Elongated crystals, often in sheaflike groups. In the transition between the individual crystals (and especially the thin ones), en optical effect is created causing a special ”inner” golden brown glow. This effect is also called iridescence, and is especially disrinct on polisshed surfaces. The result is that the crystals appesr as bright lamellae, almost like flames in a fire. The colos vary somewhat between reddish, greenish and bluish huesz, sometimes even within the same lamella. Between the bright lammellae, the color is dark brown to black.

Composition:

In nuummite, the two orthoamphibole, anthophyllite (Mg,Fe)₇Si₈O₂₂(OH)₂ and gedrite (Mg,Fe)₅Al₂(Al,Si)₈O₂₂(OH)₂, both with a hardness of 5 to 5.6, constitute a mixture of elongated crystals, often in sheaf-like groups. In the transition between the individual crystals (and especially the thin ones), an optical effect is created causing a special “inner” golden brown glow. This effect is also called iridescence, and is especially distinct on polished surfaces. The result is that the crystals appear as bright lamellae, almost like flames in a fire. The colors vary somewhat between reddish, greenish, and bluish hues, sometimes even within the same lamella. Between the bright lamellae, the color is dark brown to black.

Gemstone: