Narsarsukite

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Narsarsukite
Narsarsukite-20220.jpg
1.3 cm crystal of narsarsukite from Mont Saint-Hilaire
General
Category Silicate mineral
Formula
(repeating unit)
Na4(Ti,Fe)4[Si8O20](O,OH,F)4 [1]
IMA symbol Nar [2]
Strunz classification 9.DJ.05
Crystal system Tetragonal
Crystal class Dipyramidal (4/m)
H-M symbol: (4/m)
Space group I4/m
Unit cell a = 10.72, c = 7.95 [Å]; Z = 4
Identification
ColorHoney to lemon-yellow, reddish brown, brownish gray, tan, pink; may be green from inclusions; may show color zoning
Crystal habit Occurs as flat tabular to equant, striated crystals In divergent, radiating groups; massive
Cleavage Good on {100} and {110}
Fracture Uneven to subconchoidal
Tenacity Brittle
Mohs scale hardness5.5 - 7
Luster Vitreous, pearly on {110}
Streak White
Diaphaneity Transparent to translucent
Specific gravity 2.64-2.83
Optical propertiesUniaxial (+)
Refractive index nω = 1.609 nε = 1.630
Birefringence δ = 0.021
Pleochroism Weak; O = colorless to yellow; E = colorless to honey-yellow
References [3] [1] [4]

Narsarsukite is a rare silicate mineral with either the chemical formula Na2(Ti,Fe3+)Si4(O,F)11 [3] or Na4(Ti,Fe)4[Si8O20](O,OH,F)4. [1]

It was first described in 1900 for an occurrence in the Narsarsuk pegmatite in the Ilimaussaq intrusive complex of West Greenland. [1] It has also been reported from a syenite which intruded limestone in the Sweetgrass Hills, Montana, and within hornfels and marble xenoliths in the alkalic intrusive of Mont Saint-Hilaire, Quebec. [3] It occurs associated with aegirine, microcline, albite, elpidite, epididymite, taeniolite, pectolite, calcite, galena and quartz. [3]

Narsarsukite from Whitlash, Liberty County, Montana {size: 5.6 x 5.4 x 5.1 cm) Narsarsukite-202076.jpg
Narsarsukite from Whitlash, Liberty County, Montana {size: 5.6 x 5.4 x 5.1 cm)

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48
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30
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12
(Na,Mn,Fe,Ti)
6
Zr
3
Ti
3
MnSi
51
O
144
(OH,H
2
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9
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References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Narsarsukite on Mindat.org
  2. 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.
  3. 1 2 3 4 Handbook of Mineralogy
  4. Narsarsukite data on Webmineral