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Formula: BaZrSi3O9
Cyclosilicate (ring silicate), benitoite group,
barium- and zirconium-
bearing mineral
Crystal System: Hexagonal
Specific gravity: 3.82 calculated
Hardness: 6 to 6½
Streak: White
Colour: Colourless
Luminescence: Does not fluoresce under long wave UV, pale blue fluorescence under short wave UV; strong
blue cathodoluminescence
Common impurities: Sn
Environments
Localities
At the type locality, Rockall Island, Outer Hebrides, Scotland, UK, bazirite occurs as a
late-stage interstitial mineral in
aegirine-riebeckite
granite. Associated minerals include
elpidite, aegirine,
albite, cristobalite,
leucophosphite, monazite,
quartz, apatite,
eudialyte, magnetite,
pyrochlore, xenotime,
baryte and titanite
(HOM).
Crystals are small and prismatic, up to 0.65 mm long and 0.25 mm across
(AM 61.175).
At the Esquire No. 7 claim, Big Creek, Big Creek-Rush Creek Mining District, Fresno County, California, USA,
bazirite occurs in granular celsian-bearing rocks near contacts
with granite. Associated minerals include
taramellite, celsian,
diopside and actinolite
(HOM).
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