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Bustamite is an intermediary mineral between the Rhodonite and Wollastonite series. It is often regarded as a calcium-rich variety of Rhodonite, but scientifically it is classified as an individual mineral, not a variety. It is very similar in habit to Rhodonite, and often forms in the same localities. However, its color is usually less intense red than that of Rhodonite, most often having a light pastel pink or brownish-red color. Bustamite was named in honor of Mexican general Anastasio Bustamente (1780-1853). |
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Chemical Formula |
(Mn,Ca)SiO3 |
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Composition |
Manganese calcium silicate |
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Color |
Most often light pink. May also be deep pink, light red, and brown. 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 System |
Triclinic |
Crystal Forms
and Aggregates |
Crystals, which are rare, are similar to those of Rhodonite (i.e. tabular and rectangular prismatic forms). Usually 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 |
Hackly, uneven |
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Tenacity |
Brittle |
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In Group |
Silicates; Inosilicates |
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Striking Features |
Color, crystal habits, and localities |
| Environment |
Manganese-rich metamorphic environments. |
| Rock Type |
Metamorphic |
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Popularity (1-4)
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4 |
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Prevalence (1-3)
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3 |
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Demand (1-3) |
3 |
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Bustamite is not a common mineral and has limited localities. The two most important locality for this mineral are Franklin, Sussex Co., New Jersey; and Broken Hill, New South Wales, Australia.
Other localities are the Kanoiri Mine, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan; the Wessels Mine, Hotazel, in the Kalahari manganese fields, South Africa; Langban, Filipstad, Sweden; the Meldon
Quarry, Devon, England; the Treburland Mine, Altarnun, Cornwall, England; and Jail Hill, Haddam, Middlesex Co., Connecticut.
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Rhodonite - Usually has a darker color; otherwise difficult to distinguish.
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