Sussexite

Sussexite is a manganese borate mineral MnBO2(OH). Crystals are monoclinic prismatic and typically fibrous in occurrence. Colour is white, pink, yellowish white with a pearly lustre. It has a Mohs hardness of 3 and a specific gravity of 3.12.[2]

Sussexite
Sussexite from Mine Hill, New Jersey
General
CategoryNesoborates
Formula
(repeating unit)
MnBO2(OH)
Strunz classification6.BA.15
Crystal systemMonoclinic
Crystal classPrismatic (2/m)
(same H-M symbol)
Space groupP21/c
Identification
ColorWhite to buff, lilac/lavender,[1] pale pink, colorless in transmitted light[1]
Crystal habitAs bladed acicular crystals, to 7 mm; cross-vein or radial fibrous, in felted or matted aggregates, nodular.[1]
LusterSilky, dull(earthy)[1]
Specific gravity3.30

It is named after the Franklin Mining District in Sussex County, New Jersey, US where it was first discovered in 1868.

Sussexite also occurs in France, Italy, Namibia, North Korea, South Africa, Switzerland, and the US states of Michigan, New Jersey, Utah and Virginia.

References


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