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
CategoryMineral
Formula
(repeating unit)
NaCaMnSi3O8(OH)
Crystal systemTriclinic
Space group
Identification
Colorpale red or pink to brownish
Crystal habitBladed
Cleavage{100} , {001}
FractureSplintery
TenacityBrittle
Mohs scale hardness5.5
LusterVitreous, Sub-Vitreous
DiaphaneityTransparent, Translucent
Density3.17
Optical propertiesBiaxial (+)
Refractive indexnα = 1.626(3) nβ = 1.630(2) nγ = 1.661(2)
Birefringenceδ = 0.035
PleochroismNon-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

  1. "Schizolite: Mineral information, data and localities". www.mindat.org. Retrieved 2020-07-29.
  2. "Marshallsussmanite: Mineral information, data and localities". www.mindat.org. Retrieved 2020-07-29.
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