Zorite

zorite

raite

mountainite

natrolite

Images

Formula: Na₆Ti₅Si₁₂O₃₄(O,OH)₅.11H₂O
Inosilicate (chain silicate), zorite group, titanium-bearing mineral
Crystal System: Orthorhombic
Specific gravity: 2.27 to 2.40 measured, 2.23 calculated
Hardness: 3 to 4
Streak: White
Colour: Rose-red, pink, can appear white or colourless in individual crystals
Solubility: Insoluble in water, slowly decomposed by dilute hydrochloric or nitric acid with the formation of silica gel
Common impurities: Zr,Fe,Nb,Ta,Mn,Mg,Ca,K,F,C,P
Environments

Pegmatites

Localities

At the type locality, the Yubileinaya pegmatite, Karnasurt Mountain, Lovozersky District, Murmansk Oblast, Russia, zorite was found with raite in the alkalic pegmatite on walls of fractures and cavities filled by nepheline. Associated minerals include aegirine, mountainite, raite and natrolite.
Zorite occurs as intergrowths of prismatic acicular rosy coloured, vitreous crystals 1-2 mm long and as polycrystalline plates up to 10 X 6 X 0.5 cm³ (AM 58.1113-1114).

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