Ternovite

ternovite

ancylite-(Ce)

belkovite

niobium

Images

Formula: MgNb4O11.8-12H2O
Hydrated oxide, franconite group, niobium-bearing mineral
Crystal System: Monoclinic
Specific gravity: 2.95 measured, 2.99 calculated
Hardness: 3
Streak: White
Colour: White
Solubility: Insoluble in dilute hydrochloric acid
Environments

Carbonatites
Hydrothermal environments

Localities

At the type locality, the Vuoriyarvi alkaline-ultrabasic massif, Northern Karelia, Murmansk Oblast, Russia, ternovite occurs as white spherulites, to 0.5 mm in diameter, consisting of radiating blades averaging 0.1 x 0.003 x 0.005 mm3. Ternovite, franconite, and hochelagaite occur as latestage hydrothermal minerals in dissolution voids that formed as a result of dolomitisation of pyrochlore-bearing calcite carbonatites. Associated late-stage minerals are dolomite, magnesite, serpentine, baryte, pyrite, ancylite-(Ce) and belkovite (AM 83.185-189).

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