Formula: LiAlSi2O6.H2O
Tectosilicate (framework silicate), zeolite group
Specific gravity: 2.28 to 2.34
Hardness: 6
Streak: White
Colour: Colourless, white
Environments
Bikitaite is one of very few very few lithium-bearing zeolites.
It occurs as a late-formed mineral in fractures in lithium-rich
granite
pegmatites (Webmin, Mindat, HOM) and forms prior to stilbite
(Dana). Common associates include albite,
bavenite and quartz
(Mindat).
Localities
At King's mountain, North Carolina, USA, bikitaite is found in lithium-rich pegmatites occurring
sparingly
as single crystals in seams. The pegmatites are mined for spodumene.
They are intruded into thin-layered amphibolite and fine-grained
mica schist,
and are mainly composed of microcline,
albite, quartz,
spodumene and muscovite.
Minor fractures contain quartz, albite,
rhodochrosite and a number of phosphates, including
apatite, vivianite and
fairfieldite. In several of these fractures bikitaite has
been found in small amounts, associated with albite,
quartz, apatite and
fairfieldite
(AM 53.1202).
At the type locality, the Nolan property, Bikita Area, Masvingo, Zimbabwe, bikitaite occurs in a
granite pegmatite associated with
eucryptite, quartz,
petalite, feldspar,
calcite, stilbite and
allophane
(HOM).
The assemblages of minerals in the pegmatite were deposited in
succession from petalite + quartz to
spodumene + quartz to
eucryptite + quartz
(R&M 92.2.153).
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