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<p><b>New page</b></p><div>[[File:CaWO4.tif|CaWO4|thumb]] [[File:Bispbergs_klack.jpg|Bispbergs klack|thumb|left]] '''Scheelite''' is a [[calcium]] [[tungstate]] mineral with the chemical formula CaWO4. It is an important ore of [[tungsten]] (W). Well-formed crystals are sought by collectors and are occasionally fashioned into gemstones when suitably free of flaws. Scheelite has been synthesized via the Czochralski process; the material produced may be used to imitate [[diamond]], as it has a similar [[dispersion]] and other optical properties. Scheelite fluoresces under short-wave [[ultraviolet light]], with the color ranging from blue to white, which is a distinctive feature that aids in its identification.<br />
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==Properties==<br />
Scheelite crystallizes in the tetragonal system. It forms transparent to opaque crystals that are typically colorless or pale shades of yellow, orange, or brown. The mineral has a [[Mohs hardness]] of about 4.5 to 5 and a specific gravity of approximately 6.0 to 6.1. It exhibits high [[dispersion]], which can give cut stones a fire similar to that of [[diamond]]. One of the most striking properties of Scheelite is its ability to fluoresce under ultraviolet light, a characteristic that is utilized by geologists and miners to locate and identify the mineral.<br />
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==Occurrence==<br />
Scheelite is found in [[igneous rock|igneous]] and [[metamorphic rock|metamorphic]] rocks and particularly in [[skarn]] deposits, where it is formed by the action of [[silica]]-rich fluids on [[calcium]]-bearing rocks in the presence of [[tungsten]]. It is often associated with minerals such as [[quartz]], [[calcite]], and [[garnet]]. Major producers of scheelite include China, Russia, and Bolivia, with significant deposits also found in Austria, Korea, and Portugal.<br />
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==Uses==<br />
The primary use of scheelite is as a source of tungsten, a metal critical for the manufacture of hard metals and alloys, [[electric]]al contacts, high-speed [[steel]], and other applications requiring materials with high melting points, strength, and hardness. Tungsten extracted from scheelite is essential for the production of the filament used in [[incandescent light bulb]]s, although this application has diminished with the advent of [[LED lighting]].<br />
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==Synthesis and Imitation==<br />
Scheelite can be synthesized for various purposes, including research and the creation of gemstone imitations. Synthetic scheelite is produced using the Czochralski process, which allows for the growth of large, high-quality crystals that can be cut into gems. These synthetic versions are used to imitate more expensive gemstones like diamond due to scheelite's similar optical properties, such as dispersion.<br />
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==Environmental and Health Concerns==<br />
The mining and processing of scheelite can lead to environmental degradation if not managed properly. Tungsten mining operations can result in the contamination of water sources with heavy metals, leading to potential health risks for local communities. Proper management and remediation efforts are essential to minimize these impacts.<br />
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==See Also==<br />
* [[Tungsten]]<br />
* [[Mineral]]<br />
* [[Skarn]]<br />
* [[Gemstone]]<br />
* [[Fluorescence]]<br />
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[[Category:Minerals]]<br />
[[Category:Tungsten minerals]]<br />
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