General Information:
Chemical Formula:
CaZrSi6O15·3(H2O)
Composition:
(Molecular Weight = 593.85 gm)
Calcium 6.75 % Ca
Zirconium 15.36 % Zr
Silicon 28.38 % Si
Hydrogen 1.02 % H
Oxygen 48.50 % O
Empirical Formula:
CaZrSi6O15·3(H2O)
Environment:
Not a lunar mineral. Associated with alkalic rocks.
IMA Status:
Approved IMA 1973
Locality:
TL:Khan-Bogdin massif, Mongolia.
Name Origin:
Named for Neil Alden Armstrong, (1930-), American astronaut, first human being on the moon's surface, Apollo 11 Lunar Mission.
Physical Properties:
Cleavage:
[001] Perfect, [100] Distinct
Color:
light brown or reddish brown.
Density:
2.7 - 2.71, Average = 2.7
Habits:
Bladed - Aggregates of thin lath-like crystals (e.g. kyanite)., Spherical - Spherical, rounded aggregates., Aggregates - Made of numerous individual crystals or clusters.
Hardness:
4.5 - Between Fluorite and Apatite
Luster:
Vitreous (Glassy)
Streak:
brownish white
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