Cryolithionite

cryolithionite

thomsenolite

cryolite

pachnolite

Formula: Na2Al2(LiF4)3
Halide, garnet group
Specific gravity: 2.77
Hardness: 2½ to 3
Streak: White
Colour: Colourless, white
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water. Soluble in sulphuric acid, with generation of HF. Melting point 710°C (Mindat).
Environments

Pegmatites

Cryolithionite occurs in some granite pegmatites (Webmin, HOM).

At the type locality, the Ivigtut Cryolite deposit, Sermersooq, Greenland, Denmark, cryolithionite is associated with cryolite, quartz, fluorite and siderite (HOM).

At Miass, Russia, cryolithionite is associated with cryolite, chiolite, pachnolite, thomsenolite, hydrokenoralstonite and prosopite HOM.

Back to Minerals