General Information:
Chemical Formula:
NaFe++Ba2Ce2(Ti,Nb)2[Si4O12]2O2(OH,F)·(H2O)
Composition:
(Molecular Weight = 1,419.19 gm)
Barium 19.35 % Ba
Sodium 1.62 % Na
Cerium 19.75 % Ce
Titanium 3.37 % Ti
Niobium 6.55 % Nb
Iron 3.94 % Fe
Silicon 15.83 % Si
Hydrogen 0.18 % H
Oxygen 28.75 % O
Fluorine 0.67 % F
Empirical Formula:
NaFe2+Ba2Ce2TiNb(Si4O12)2(OH)0.5F0.5·(H2O)
IMA Status:
Approved IMA 1987
Locality:
Benitoite Gem mine, head waters of the San Benito River, Joaquin Ridge, Diablo Range, 1 mile south of Santa Rita Peak, San Benito Co. California.
Name Origin:
Named after its locality.
Physical Properties:
Cleavage:
[???] Good
Color:
brown, honey yellow, or orange.
Density:
3.62 - 3.98, Average = 3.8
Diaphaniety:
Transparent to Translucent
Habits:
Euhedral Crystals - Occurs as well-formed crystals showing good external form., ,
Hardness:
5-5.5 - Apatite-Knife Blade
Luminescence:
Non-fluorescent.
Luster:
Vitreous (Glassy)
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