Tuperssuatsiaite

tuperssuatsiaite

Images

Formula: Na2(Fe3+,Mn2+)3Si8O20(OH)2.4H2O
Phyllosilicate (sheet silicate), palygorskite group
Crystal System: Monoclinic
Specific gravity: 2.465 measured, 2.12 calculated
Streak: Brownish yellow
Colour: Golden-yellow, reddish brown, brown, dark brown, orange-yellow, green
Luminescence: Not fluorescent under UV
Environments

Volcanic igneous environments
Pegmatites

Localities

At the type locality, Tuperssuatsiat Bay, Tunulliarfik Fjord, Ilímaussaq complex, Kujalleq, Greenland, Tuperssuatsiaite occurs as a late-stage, low-temperature, hydrothermal mineral in veins cutting nepheline syenite and in sodalite - nepheline syenite pegmatite. It forms mm- to cm- sized red-brown fan shaped aggregates or rosettes of fine fibres. Associated minerals include natrolite, albite, orthoclase, aegirine, sodalite and steenstrupine (HOM, Mindat).
Tuperssuatsiaite from Tuperssuatsiat Bay - Image

At the Aris Quarries, Aris, Windhoek Rural, Khomas Region, Namibia, Tuperssuatsiaite occurs in miarolitic cavities in phonolite associated with microcline, aegirine, natrolite, eudialyte, bastnäsite, makatite, villiaumite, titanite, apophyllite, analcime and aragonite (HOM).
Tuperssuatsiaite from the Aris Quarries - Image

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