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Serandite is a very rare mineral except at one locality, where it forms in large, well-shaped crystals. It is probably the most famous mineral from the unique pegmatite occurrence of Mont Saint Hilaire, Quebec. Serandite forms very attractive pink and salmon-colored crystals, and its frequent association with Analcime is a popular combination. Many minerals form pseudomorphs after Serandite, completely replacing the Serandite but preserving its original shape. |
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Chemical Formula |
Na(Mn,Ca)2Si3O8(OH) |
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Composition |
Basic sodium manganese calcium silicate |
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Color |
Pink, orange, red, tan, and brown. May oxidize brown or black upon exposure to air. |
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Streak |
White |
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Hardness |
5 - 5.5 |
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Crystal System |
Triclinic |
Crystal Forms
and Aggregates |
Occurs in prismatic and tabular crystals. Crystals can be long and slender or short and stubby. Aggregates include bladed, columnar, encrusting, acicular, radiating, and fibrous. Crystals may sometimes have etchings or small holes.
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Transparency |
Transparent to nearly opaque |
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Specific Gravity |
3.2 - 3.4 |
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Luster |
Vitreous, greasy |
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Cleavage |
1,2 - pinacoidal, similar to that of the pyroxene minerals |
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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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Striking Features |
Color, locality, and mineral associations |
| Environment |
In alkali-rich nepheline syenite pegmatites.
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| Rock Type |
Igneous |
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Popularity (1-4)
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3 |
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Prevalence (1-3)
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1 |
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Demand (1-3) |
1 |
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Serandite is well sought after by mineral collectors, and good specimens are very costly and in demand.
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Small amounts of Serandite were found on Rouma Island, Los Islands, Guinea; the Shkatulka pegmatite in the Umbozero mine, Kola Peninsula, Russia; the Gem Mine, San Benito Co., California; and in the Demix-Varennes quarry, Saint-Amable, Quebec (Canada). However, the finest examples of this mineral occur in relative abundance in Mont Saint Hilaire, Quebec (Canada) which is the only significant source of this mineral. Serandite is one of the minerals responsible for making the unique locality of Mont Saint Hilaire famous.
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The locality and color of Serandite can distinguish it from virtually all minerals.
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Have a question about Serandite? Visit our Q&A Community and ask the experts!
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