Dravite

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Dravite crystals - click for larger pic
Dravite crystal
Photo by Bill Lechner
© Bill Lechner

NaMgAl(BOSi18(OH)

Dravite, a member of the tourmaline group, is rare at MSH.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS:

Color is ranges from very dark brown to black.
Luster is vitreous.
Diaphaneity is opaque.
Crystal System is hexagonal;
Crystal Habits include embedded crude prisms to 10cm.
Cleavage {110} and {101} are very indistinct.
Fracture is uneven to conchoidal.
Hardness is 7.
Specific Gravity is approximately 3.0 g/cm
Streak is white.
Associated Minerals include mica group.
Distinguishing Features: crystal habit and forms.
Origin: Named in 1883 after its discovery locality, in the Drave
district, Carinthia, Austria.

CLASSIFICATION:

Dana System
# 61.3e.1.9

Strunz Classification
# VIII/E.19-20

REFERENCES:
MinRec 21:306 (1990), Dana 8:1262-1263 (1997)

DISTRIBUTION AND RARITY AT MONT SAINT-HILAIRE:

MSH
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