General Information:
Chemical Formula:
(Mn++,Fe++,Mg,Ca)SiO3
Composition:
(Molecular Weight = 131.02 gm)
Manganese 41.93 % Mn
Silicon 21.44 % Si
Oxygen 36.63 % O
Empirical Formula:
Mn3+SiO3
Environment:
Hydrothermal, metamorphic and, metasomatic rocks.
Locality:
Lauthental and Elbingerrode, Germany.
Name Origin:
From the Greek rhodos - "rose colored."
Physical Properties:
Cleavage:
[110] Perfect, [110] Perfect
Color:
pink, rose red, brownish red, black, or yellow.
Density:
3.5 - 3.7, Average = 3.6
Diaphaniety:
Transparent to translucent
Habits:
Tabular - Form dimensions are thin in one direction., Massive - Uniformly indistinguishable crystals forming large masses., Massive - Granular - Common texture observed in granite and other igneous rock.
Hardness:
6 - Orthoclase
Luminescence:
None.
Luster:
Vitreous (Glassy)
Streak:
white
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