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Khomyakovite crystal
© Modris Baum
Na12SrCaFeZrW(Si2573)(O,OH,HO)(OH,Cl)
Khomyakovite is a new member of the eudialyte group. It was collected by members of the Canadian Museum of Nature staff in 1988. It is very rare, though some recent analysis has produced a few more specimens.
Dr Khomyakov is renowned for his work on the mineralogy of the Lovozero and Khibina massifs, and has been involved in the discovery of more than seventy mineral species.
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS:
Color ranges from orange to orange-red.
Luster is vitreous.
Diaphaneity is transparent to translucent.
Crystal System is trigonal;
Crystal Habits include pseudo-octahedral crystals to 0.5mm.
Cleavage is not present.
Fracture is uneven.
Hardness is 5 – 6.
Specific Gravity is approximately 3.14 g/cm
Streak is white.
Associated Minerals include analcime, annite, natrolite, pyrite
and titanite.
Distinguishing Features: Needs analysis to differentiate from eudialyte.
Origin: Named in 1999 for Dr Aleksandr Petrovich Khomyakov (b. 1933),
from the Institute of Mineralogy, Russia.
CLASSIFICATION:
Dana System
# 64.1.1.4
Strunz Classification
# VIII/E.25-60
REFERENCES:
CanMin 37:0893-0899 (1999)
DISTRIBUTION AND RARITY AT MONT SAINT-HILAIRE:
MSH
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