Paratobermorite

paratobermorite

prehnite

pectolite

thomsonite-Ca

Images

Formula: Ca₄(Al_0.5Si_0.5)₂Si₄O₁₆(OH)(H₂O)₂.(Ca.3H₂O)
Inosilicate (chain silicate), tobermorite supergroup
Crystal System: Monoclinic
Specific gravity: 2.51 measured, 2.533 calculated
Hardness: 3½
Colour: Pale yellowish, pale beige, pinkish
Luminescence: Not fluorescent under UV
Environments

Metamorphic environments

Paratobermorite is a new mineral, approved in 2020 and to date (April 2023) reported only from the type locality.

Localities

At the type locality, the Southern open pit, Bazhenovsk deposit, Asbest, Sverdlovsk Oblast, Russia, paratobermorite was found at the chrysotile asbestos deposit in cavities of grossular rodingite in association with prehnite, pectolite, thomsonite-Ca and calcite. Paratobermorite occurs as well-shaped prismatic to acicular crystals up to 1 × 1.5 × 8 mm³, typically assembled in spray- or bush- like radial clusters or open-work aggregates up to 1.5 cm across, which form interrupted crusts up to 3 × 5 cm². Paratobermorite is colourless, pale yellowish, pale beige or pinkish, with a vitreous lustre. (AM 107.12.2272-2281).

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