Sbacchiite

sbacchiite

gearksutite

usovite

creedite

Images

Formula: Ca₂AlF₇
Fluoride
Crystal System: Orthorhombic
Specific gravity: 3.08 measured, 3.116 calculated
Streak: White
Colour: Colourless
Luminescence: No fluorescence observed
Environments

Fumeroles

Sbacchiite is a relatively new mineral, approved in 2018 and to date (March 2024) reported only from Mount Vesuvius fumeroles.

Localities

At the type locality, Fumarole B5, Vesuvius fumaroles on eastern crater rim, Ottaviano, Somma-Vesuvius Complex, Naples, Campania, Italy, sbacchiite was found in a fumarole from the 1944 eruption, temperature ≈ 80°C, at the rim of the crater. Associated minerals include gearsksutite, usovite, creedite and opal.
The sbacchiite forms elongated crystals up to about 60 μm in length that are transparent or translucent and colourless, with a vitreous lustre and white streak (EJM 31.1.153-158).

Sbacchiite from fumerole B10 - Image

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