General Information:
Chemical Formula:
(Y,Ce,Ca)(Ta,Ti,Nb)2O6
Composition:
(Molecular Weight = 499.75 gm)
Calcium 0.80 % Ca
Cerium 8.41 % Ce
Yttrium 10.67 % Y
Tantalum 54.31 % Ta
Titanium 2.87 % Ti
Niobium 3.72 % Nb
Oxygen 19.21 % O
Empirical Formula:
(Y)0.6Ce0.3Ca0.1Ta1.5Ti0.3Nb0.2O6
IMA Status:
Approved IMA 1987
Name Origin:
Named for its composition and from the Greek for "shame," in allusion to the inability of chemists, at the time of its discovery, to separate some of its constituents.
Physical Properties:
Cleavage:
None
Color:
brownish black or black.
Density:
6.39
Diaphaniety:
Subtranslucent
Hardness:
5.5-6 - Knife Blade-Orthoclase
Luster:
Adamantine
Streak:
yellowish brown
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