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Chemical Formula | (Mn,Ca)SiO3 | ||
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Composition | Manganese calcium silicate | ||
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Color | Pink. Some specimens tarnish black or brown upon exposure to air. | ||
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Streak | White | ||
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Hardness | 5 - 6 | ||
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Crystal Forms and Aggregates |
(Triclinic) Crystals, which are very rare, are similar to those of Rhodonite. Usually occurs massive, grainy, and fibrous. | ||
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Transparency | Translucent | ||
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Specific Gravity | 3.0 - 3.4 | ||
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Luster | Vitreous | ||
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Cleavage | 2,2 - forming at an angle near 90º | ||
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Fracture | Uneven, splintery | ||
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Tenacity | Brittle | ||
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In Group | Silicates ; Inosilicates | ||
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All About | Bustamite is usually classified as a calcium-rich variety of Rhodonite (or manganese-rich variety of Wollastonite), but scientifically it is an individual mineral, not a variety. | ||
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Striking Features | Pink color, crystal habits, and localities | ||
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Popularity (1-4) | 4 | ||
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Prevalence (1-3) | 3 | ||
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Demand (1-3) | 3 | ||
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Distinguishing Similar Minerals |
Rhodonite - darker color | ||
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Commonly Occurs With |
Calcite, Rhodonite, Tephroite, Franklinite, Willemite | ||
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Noteworthy Localities |
Localities are Franklin, Sussex Co., New Jersey; Ogdensburg, Sussex Co., New Jersey; Langban, Sweden; and Altarnun, Cornwall, England. | ||
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Picture Icon Links |
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Picture Links | 1. Bustamite with Franklinite |
