Schizolite
General
CategoryMineral
Formula
(repeating unit)
NaCaMnSi3O8(OH)
IMA symbolSzl[1]
Crystal systemTriclinic
Crystal classTriclinic-Pinacoidal
Space groupP1
Unit cell359.40 ų
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)
Birefringence0.035
PleochroismNon-pleochroic
2V angleMeasured 71° (4), calculated 40°

Schizolite is a mineral with the formula NaCaMnSi3O8(OH) first described in 1901 after discovery in South Greenland by Winther. Its name comes from the Greek word 'σϗιζω' (sϗizo) after its perfect cleavage. It was dropped from the valid species status in 1955 as a variety of pectolite based on Schaller's work. It's a member of the Wollastonite group.[2]

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, 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.[3]

See also

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