General Information:
Chemical Formula:
CaLiAl2(AlBeSi2)O10(OH)2
Composition:
(Molecular Weight = 387.16 gm)
Lithium 1.79 % Li
Calcium 10.35 % Ca
Beryllium 2.33 % Be
Aluminum 20.91 % Al
Silicon 14.51 % Si
Hydrogen 0.52 % H
Oxygen 49.59 % O
Empirical Formula:
CaLiAl3Be(Si2O10)(OH)2
Environment:
Crystal crusts in pegmatite veins.
Locality:
Maharitra on Mt. Bity, Madagascar.
Name Origin:
Named after its locality.
Physical Properties:
Cleavage:
[001] Perfect
Color:
brown white, colorless, yellow, or pearl white.
Density:
3
Diaphaniety:
Transparent to translucent
Habits:
Encrustations - Forms crust-like aggregates on matrix., Platy - Sheet forms (e.g. micas)., Pseudo Hexagonal - Crystals show a hexagonal outline.
Hardness:
5.5 - Knife Blade
Luster:
Vitreous (Glassy)
Streak:
white
More details...