Strontioruizite

strontioruizite

potassic-magnesio-arfvedsonite

sugilite

lipuite

Images

Formula: Sr₂Mn³⁺₂Si₄O₁₁(OH)₄.2H₂O
Sorosilicate (Si₂O₇ groups), ruizite group, manganese-bearing mineral
Crystal System: Monoclinic
Specific gravity: 3.20 measured, 3.16 calculated
Hardness: 5 to 5½
Streak: Very light brown
Colour: Brown
Common impurities: Al,Ba,Ca,Na
Environments

Metamorphic environments
Hydrothermal environments

Strontioruizite is a relatively new mineral, approved in 2017, and to date (March 2022) reported only from the type locality

Localities

At the type locality, the N'Chwaning III Mine, N'Chwaning Mines, Kuruman, Kalahari manganese field, Northern Cape, South Africa, both strontioruizite and taniajacoite were found on chemically weathered manganese matrix probably resulting from hydrothermal activity. Strontioruizite occurs as brown radiating groups or aggregates of acicular or prismatic crystals, with individual crystals up to 1.3 × 0.2 × 0.2 mm. Associated minerals include sugilite, potassic-magnesio-arfvedsonite and lipuite CM 59.2.431–444.

Back to Minerals