Achalaite

Last updated
Achalaite
General
Category Minerals
Formula (Fe2+,Mn)(Ti,Fe3+,Ta)(Nb,Ta)2O8
IMA symbol Ahl [1]
Strunz classification 4.D0.
Crystal system Monoclinic
Unit cell a = 9.422(4) [Å], b = 11.427(3) [Å]
c = 5.120(1) [Å]; β = 90.12°; Z = 4 [2]
Identification
ColorBlack
Crystal habit fibrous
Mohs scale hardness5.5
Luster metallic
Streak black
Specific gravity 6.285
Density 6.285 g/cm3
Pleochroism Non-pleochroic
References [2]

Achalaite ((Fe2+, Mn)(Ti, Fe3+, Ta)(Nb, Ta)2 O8) is a black mineral of the wodginite group, first discovered in 2013. [3]

It crystallizes in the monoclinic system and has a dark, metallic luster, a specific gravity of 6.285 and a Mohs hardness of 5.5. [4]

Achalaite occurs in the intermediate zone of topaz- and tantalite-bearing pegmatite. [4] Associated minerals include rutile, quartz and albite. [2]

Its name comes from the type locality: the Achala batholith in Córdoba, Argentina and the mineral has been approved by the IMA with the acronym 2013-103. [2]

References

  1. ↑ Warr, L.N. (2021). "IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols". Mineralogical Magazine. 85 (3): 291–320. Bibcode:2021MinM...85..291W. doi: 10.1180/mgm.2021.43 . S2CID   235729616.
  2. 1 2 3 4 "Achalaite". Mindat.org. Retrieved 8 March 2019.
  3. ↑ "The New IMA List of Minerals – A Work in Progress – Updated: July 2016" (PDF). International Mineralogical Association COMMISSION ON NEW MINERALS, NOMENCLATURE AND CLASSIFICATION. Archived from the original (PDF) on 9 September 2016. Retrieved 8 March 2019.
  4. 1 2 "Achalaite Fe2+TiNb2O8" (PDF). Handbook of Mineralogy. Archived from the original (PDF) on 8 May 2019. Retrieved 8 March 2019.


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