General Information:
Chemical Formula:NaFe++Ba2Ce2(Ti,Nb)2[Si4O12]2O2(OH,F)·(H2O)
Composition:(Molecular Weight = 1,419.19 gm)Barium 19.35 %
BaSodium 1.62 %
NaCerium 19.75 %
CeTitanium 3.37 %
TiNiobium 6.55 %
NbIron 3.94 %
FeSilicon 15.83 %
SiHydrogen 0.18 %
H Oxygen 28.75 %
O Fluorine 0.67 %
F Empirical Formula: NaFe2+Ba2Ce2TiNb(Si4O12)2(OH)0.5F0.5·(H2O)
IMA Status:Approved IMA 1987
Locality:Benitoite Gem mine, head waters of the San Benito River, Joaquin Ridge, Diablo Range, 1 mile south of Santa Rita Peak, San Benito Co. California.
Name Origin:Named after its locality.
Physical Properties: Cleavage:[???] Good
Color:brown, honey yellow, or orange.
Density:3.62 - 3.98, Average = 3.8
Diaphaniety:Transparent to Translucent
Habits:Euhedral Crystals - Occurs as well-formed crystals showing good external form., ,
Hardness:5-5.5 - Apatite-Knife Blade
Luminescence:Non-fluorescent.
Luster:Vitreous (Glassy)
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