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	${\displaystyle P{\bar {1}}}$
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]