Bosiite

bosiite

oxy-dravite

dravite

pyrrhotite

Images

Formula: NaFe3+3(Al4Mg2)(Si6O18)(BO3)3)(OH)3)O
Cyclosilicate (ring silicate), tourmaline group, forms a complete substitution series from oxy-schorl via oxy-dravite and bosiite to povondraite, limited substitution series between oxy-schorl and bosiite (HOM)
Crystal system: Trigonal
Specific gravity: 3.23 measured, 3.26 calculated
Hardness: 7
Streak: Pale brown
Colour: Dark brown to black
Luminescence: No fluorescence under UV
Common impurities: Ca,Fe(II)
Environments


Hydrothermal environments

Localities

At the type locality, the Darasun mine, Vershino-Darasunskiy, Tungokochensky District, Zabaykalsky Krai, Russia, bosiite formed as a hydrothermal phase in a gold-bearing quartz vein spatially related to a granodiorite-porphyry intrusion. Ores of this deposit are enriched in sulphides. Bosiite is intimately associated with other tourmalines. The first tourmaline generation is bosiite, which is followed by a second generation of oxy-dravite and a third generation of dravite. Bosiite also coexists with quartz and pyrite; further associated minerals in the vein are gangue minerals (quartz, calcite and dolomite), sulphides (pyrite, arsenopyrite, chalcopyrite, pyrrhotite, tetrahedrite, sphalerite and galena) and native gold. Crystals of bosiite are dark brown to black with a pale brown streak (EJM 28.581–591).

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