Schizolite
Schizolite is a mineral with the formula NaCaMnSi3O8(OH) first described in 1901 after discovery in South Greenland. Its name comes from the Greek word 'σϗιζω' (sϗizo) after its perfect cleavage.[1]
| Schizolite | |
|---|---|
| General | |
| Category | Mineral |
| Formula (repeating unit) | NaCaMnSi3O8(OH) |
| Crystal system | Triclinic |
| Space group | |
| Identification | |
| Color | pale red or pink to brownish |
| Crystal habit | Bladed |
| Cleavage | {100} , {001} |
| Fracture | Splintery |
| Tenacity | Brittle |
| Mohs scale hardness | 5.5 |
| Luster | Vitreous, Sub-Vitreous |
| Diaphaneity | Transparent, Translucent |
| Density | 3.17 |
| Optical properties | Biaxial (+) |
| Refractive index | nα = 1.626(3) nβ = 1.630(2) nγ = 1.661(2) |
| Birefringence | δ = 0.035 |
| Pleochroism | Non-pleochroic |
Marshall Sussman, a mineral dealer, sold minerals that were believed to be bustamites from the Wessels mine in 2011. After the third of the stock was sold they realized the gem might be a new specimen, took it down from the market immediately, and waited for approval. It was approved by the International Mineralogical Association as a mineral in 2013, with the intended name sussmanite. However, it was decided that this name was too similar to another existing gem's name, zussmanite so the name Marshallsussmanite was chosen,[2] after the famous mineral dealer Marshall Sussman. It is believed to be a pectolite variant which contains manganese in place of calcium. The name was reverted to Schizolite in 2018.[2]
See also
References
- "Schizolite: Mineral information, data and localities". www.mindat.org. Retrieved 2020-07-29.
- "Marshallsussmanite: Mineral information, data and localities". www.mindat.org. Retrieved 2020-07-29.