General Information:
Chemical Formula:
Na3(Ce,La,Nd)(PO4)2
Composition:
(Molecular Weight = 399.08 gm)
Sodium 17.28 % Na
Lanthanum 10.44 % La
Cerium 21.07 % Ce
Phosphorus 15.52 % P
Neodymium 3.61 % Nd
Oxygen 32.07 % O
Empirical Formula:
Na3Ce0.6La0.3Nd0.1(PO4)2
Environment:
Melanocratic nepheline syenite.
IMA Status:
Approved IMA 1987
Locality:
Ilimaussaq intrusion, southern Greenland.
Name Origin:
Named for Vitus Bering (1681-1741), explorer of norhtern seas (Bering Sea).
Physical Properties:
Cleavage:
[100] Good, [010] Good, [001] Good
Color:
white, light green, or light pink.
Density:
3.6 - 3.7, Average = 3.65
Habits:
Pseudo Hexagonal - Crystals show a hexagonal outline., ,
Hardness:
4.5 - Between Fluorite and Apatite
Luster:
Vitreous (Glassy)
Streak:
white
More details...