Cacholong

Introduction to Cacholong

• Cacholong is a mineraloid and a type of opal.
• It is considered a gemstone and is known for its white or light-colored appearance.
• Cacholong has a vitreous or pearly luster.

Formation and Occurrence of Cacholong

• Cacholong forms through the precipitation of silica from water and is commonly found in sedimentary rocks.
• It can also occur in hydrothermal veins and is often associated with volcanic activity.
• The primary deposits of Cacholong are in Russia, with other notable deposits in Kazakhstan and Ukraine.
• It can also be found in Germany, Austria, and the Czech Republic.
• Cacholong is often associated with other minerals like quartz and chalcedony.

Physical Properties of Cacholong

• Cacholong has a hardness of 5.5-6.5 on the Mohs scale and a specific gravity ranging from 1.9 to 2.3.
• The refractive index of Cacholong is around 1.37-1.47, and it has a conchoidal fracture.
• It is not fluorescent under ultraviolet light.

Uses and Significance of Cacholong

• Cacholong is popular for making jewelry, including pendants, earrings, and rings.
• It is also used in decorative carvings and cameos.
• Cacholong is believed to have metaphysical properties, such as promoting emotional healing.
• Due to its scarcity, high-quality Cacholong is highly valued in the gemstone market.

Formation Time and Mining

• It takes millions of years for Cacholong to form.
• Cacholong is commonly mined for use in jewelry and ornamental objects.

Cacholong Data Sources