Tilasite

tilasite

pyrochroite

spessartine

braunite

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Formula: CaMg(AsO4)F
Anhydrous arsenate, tilasite group
Crystal System: Monoclinic
Specific gravity: 3.77 measured, 3.80 calculated
Hardness: 5
Colour: Light gray, violet-gray, pinkish red (Långban); olive-green, apple-green (India); colourless or pale green in transmitted light.
Solubility: Readily soluble in hydrochloric and nitric acid
Environments:

Metamorphic environments
Fumeroles

Tilasite occurs typically in metamorphosed manganese or zinc deposits containing arsenic.

At Kajlidongri, India, tilasite occurs with spessartine, braunite, baryte, and quartz (HOM).

At the type locality, Långban, Filipstad, Värmland, Sweden, tilasite occurs in dolomitic limestone, (Dana) associated with pyrochroite, pyroaurite, hematite, hausmannite, dixenite, calcite, berzeliite, manganberzeliite, baryte, manganoan diopside, svabite, bergslagite and allactite (Mindat).

At Sterling Hill, New Jersey, USA, tilasite is associated with friedelite, willemite and baryte (HOM).

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