Research Article

Mineralogical and Geochemical Characterization of Semi-Precious Silica Stones from Aydıncık, Türkiye: Implications for Formation Environment and Lapidary Practice

Volume: 15 Number: 1 March 30, 2026
TR EN

Mineralogical and Geochemical Characterization of Semi-Precious Silica Stones from Aydıncık, Türkiye: Implications for Formation Environment and Lapidary Practice

Abstract

Amethyst-, chalcedony-, and agate nodules from Türkiye’s Aydıncık district were examined by high-resolution X-ray diffraction and petrographic thin sections to clarify their origin and lapidary value. The stones show pronounced concentric zoning that grades from a weathered outer rind, rich in volcanic detritus, to a crystalline amethyst core. Mineral successions chart the evolution of a cooling hydrothermal system: early Ca-aluminosilicate layers give way to silica-rich and later iron-phosphate zones as pH and redox conditions shift. Quartz is ubiquitous, while minor anorthite, calcite, and Fe-phosphates record fluid-chemistry fluctuations. Inner chalcedony and agate bands display the highest structural coherence and optical clarity, marking them as the most desirable sections for gem cutting. Incorporating these mineralogical insights into sawing and polishing protocols can minimise kerf loss and enhance finished quality. The study also supports the Aydıncık Women’s Initiative Cooperative by linking local craftsmanship to scientifically verified provenance, illustrating how geoscience can foster sustainable rural development.

Keywords

Thanks

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT I would like to express my sincere thanks to Nimet Türker for her valuable contributions to the preparation of the samples. Her support and dedication played an important role in the successful completion of this work.

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Material Physics

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

March 30, 2026

Submission Date

June 23, 2025

Acceptance Date

December 18, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 15 Number: 1

APA
Polat, Y. (2026). Mineralogical and Geochemical Characterization of Semi-Precious Silica Stones from Aydıncık, Türkiye: Implications for Formation Environment and Lapidary Practice. Türk Doğa Ve Fen Dergisi, 15(1), 74-79. https://doi.org/10.46810/tdfd.1724935
AMA
1.Polat Y. Mineralogical and Geochemical Characterization of Semi-Precious Silica Stones from Aydıncık, Türkiye: Implications for Formation Environment and Lapidary Practice. TJNS. 2026;15(1):74-79. doi:10.46810/tdfd.1724935
Chicago
Polat, Yasin. 2026. “Mineralogical and Geochemical Characterization of Semi-Precious Silica Stones from Aydıncık, Türkiye: Implications for Formation Environment and Lapidary Practice”. Türk Doğa Ve Fen Dergisi 15 (1): 74-79. https://doi.org/10.46810/tdfd.1724935.
EndNote
Polat Y (March 1, 2026) Mineralogical and Geochemical Characterization of Semi-Precious Silica Stones from Aydıncık, Türkiye: Implications for Formation Environment and Lapidary Practice. Türk Doğa ve Fen Dergisi 15 1 74–79.
IEEE
[1]Y. Polat, “Mineralogical and Geochemical Characterization of Semi-Precious Silica Stones from Aydıncık, Türkiye: Implications for Formation Environment and Lapidary Practice”, TJNS, vol. 15, no. 1, pp. 74–79, Mar. 2026, doi: 10.46810/tdfd.1724935.
ISNAD
Polat, Yasin. “Mineralogical and Geochemical Characterization of Semi-Precious Silica Stones from Aydıncık, Türkiye: Implications for Formation Environment and Lapidary Practice”. Türk Doğa ve Fen Dergisi 15/1 (March 1, 2026): 74-79. https://doi.org/10.46810/tdfd.1724935.
JAMA
1.Polat Y. Mineralogical and Geochemical Characterization of Semi-Precious Silica Stones from Aydıncık, Türkiye: Implications for Formation Environment and Lapidary Practice. TJNS. 2026;15:74–79.
MLA
Polat, Yasin. “Mineralogical and Geochemical Characterization of Semi-Precious Silica Stones from Aydıncık, Türkiye: Implications for Formation Environment and Lapidary Practice”. Türk Doğa Ve Fen Dergisi, vol. 15, no. 1, Mar. 2026, pp. 74-79, doi:10.46810/tdfd.1724935.
Vancouver
1.Yasin Polat. Mineralogical and Geochemical Characterization of Semi-Precious Silica Stones from Aydıncık, Türkiye: Implications for Formation Environment and Lapidary Practice. TJNS. 2026 Mar. 1;15(1):74-9. doi:10.46810/tdfd.1724935

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