Abelsonite
A variety of Minerals
What is Abelsonite?
Abelsonite is semitransparent and pink-purple, dark greyish purple, pale purplish red, or reddish brown in color. The mineral occurs as thin laths or plates or small aggregates up to 1 cm (0.39 in). The mineral is soluble in benzene and acetone and is insoluble in water, dilute hydrochloric acid, and dilute nitric acid.
Market Value Factors
Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Abelsonite before comparing listings or appraisals.
Size & Weight
Larger, intact specimens usually command higher prices.
Rarity & Demand
Scarce material or popular varieties sell at a premium.
Condition & Finish
Chips, repairs, and heavy wear lower value; clean prep helps.
Treatment & Provenance
Untreated specimens with documented locality are prized.
Abelsonite Localities Map
See where Abelsonite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.
Key Characteristics
Composition of Abelsonite
In 1989, abelsonite was the only known geoporphyrin to have a crystalline structure. Most geoporphyrins occur as a series of homologues spanning a large range of carbon numbers. The porphyrin which comprises abelsonite is common, but it does not usually occur in isolation from other porphyrins. The mineral is a deoxophylloerythroetioporphyrin (DPEP), with nickel occupying the center of the porphyrin ring. Most of the mineral consists of a C31 porphyrin with small quantities of a C30 norisomer. The mineral crystallizes in the triclinic crystal system.
Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- Pink-purple, dark greyish purple, pale purplish red, reddish brown.
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 2 - 3
- Density
- 1.45 g/cm³
- Streak
- pink
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- Ni(C31H32N4)
- Elements
- C, H, N, Ni
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Abelsonite FAQs
How do I identify Abelsonite?
Abelsonite can be identified by its hardness of 2 - 3 on the Mohs scale, Pink-purple color. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.
What color is Abelsonite?
Abelsonite typically appears in Pink-purple, dark greyish purple, pale purplish red, reddish brown.. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.
How hard is Abelsonite?
Abelsonite has a hardness of 2 - 3 on the Mohs scale. This makes it a soft mineral that can be scratched easily.
What is the composition of abelsonite of Abelsonite?
In 1989, abelsonite was the only known geoporphyrin to have a crystalline structure. Most geoporphyrins occur as a series of homologues spanning a large range of carbon numbers. The porphyrin which comprises abelsonite is common, but it does not usually occur in isolation from other porphyrins. The mineral is a deoxophylloerythroetioporphyrin (DPEP), with nickel occupying the center of the porphyrin ring. Most of the mineral consists of a C31 porphyrin with small quantities of a C30 norisomer. The mineral crystallizes in the triclinic crystal system.
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