Caryopilite

caryopilite

gonyerite

brandtite

jacobsite

Images

Formula: Mn2+3Si2O5(OH)4
Phyllosilicate (sheet silicate), serpentine subgroup, manganese-bearing mineral
Crystal System: Monoclinic
Specific gravity: 2.83 to 2.94 measured, 2.788 calculated
Hardness: 3 to 3½
Streak: Light brown
Colour: Brown, reddish-brown, tan
Solubility: Readily soluble in concentrated acids
Common impurities: Al,As,Fe,Zn,Ca,F,Cl
Environments

Sedimentary environments
Metamorphic environments
Hydrothermal environments

Caryopilite forms as an alteration product of primary manganese silicates such as rhodonite (Webmin, Dana, HOM). It also occurs in metamorphosed manganese deposits and as granules in sediments (Dana).

Localities

At Långban, Sweden, caryopilite is asociated with gonyerite (HOM, AM 65.335-339).

Caryopilite from Långban - Image

At the type locality, the Harstigen Mine, Pajsberg, Persberg ore district, Filipstad, Värmland County, Sweden, caryopilite is associated with sarkinite, calcite, rhodonite, lead and brandtite (Mindat, HOM). It occurs with calcite as a replacement of rhodonite crystals (AM 65.335-339).

Caryopilite from the Harstigen Mine - Image

At Bald Knob, North Carolina, USA, caryopilite is associated with manganese-bearing calcite, rhodonite and jacobsite (HOM). The Bald Knob material occurs in a thin, discontinuous consisting of manganese-bearing calcite, rhodonite, jacobsite and caryopilite, cutting across gneiss (AM 65.335-339).

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