Kaersutite
NaCa2(Mg,Fe2+)4Ti(Si6Al2O22(OH)2
Kaersutite is one of the rock-forming amphiboles in the nepheline syenite at MSH.
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS:
Color is usually dark brown to black.
Luster is vitreous.
Diaphaneity is translucent to opaque.
Crystal System is monoclinic; C2/m.
Crystal Habits include phenocrysts to 4cm.
Cleavage {110} is perfect.
Fracture is uneven to subconchoidal.
Hardness is 5 - 6.
Specific Gravity is approximately 3.25 g/cm3.
Streak is gray.
Associated Minerals in the nepheline syenite.
Distinguishing Features: Crystal habit and cleavage.
Origin: Named in 1884 after its discovery locality, in the Kadyrel
deposit, Tuva, Siberia, Russia.
CLASSIFICATION:
Dana System
# 66.1.3a.18
Strunz Classification
# VIII/F.10-150
REFERENCES:
MinRec 21:315 (1990), Dana 8:1356-1357 (1997)
DISTRIBUTION AND RARITY AT MONT SAINT-HILAIRE:
MSH
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PE
--
AP
--
MX
--
SS
--
MC
--
HF
--
BR
--
SX
--
FR
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