Låvenite

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L?venite crystals - click for larger pic
Låvenite crystals
© Bill Lechner

(Na,Ca)(Mn,Fe2+)(Zr,Ti)Si(O,OH,F)

Låvenite is a rare mineral at Mont Saint-Hilaire.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS:

Color is usually yellow to brownish-yellow to brown.
Luster is vitreous.
Diaphaneity is transparent to translucent.
Crystal System is monoclinic;
Crystal Habits include small prismatic crystals forming radiating
aggregates to 5mm and rarely as free-growing acicular crystals.
Cleavage {100} is perfect.
Fracture is uneven.
Hardness is 6.
Specific Gravity is approximately 3.55 g/cm
Streak is white.
Associated Minerals include aegirine, analcime, astrophyllite,
biotite, microcline and zircon.
Distinguishing Features: Crystal habit and color.
Origin: Named in 1885 after its discovery locality, on Låven Island,
Langesundfjord, Norway.

CLASSIFICATION:

Dana System
# 56.2.4.4

Strunz Classification
# VIII/C.11-20

REFERENCES:
MinRec 21:316 (1990), Dana 8:1162-1163 (1997)

DISTRIBUTION AND RARITY AT MONT SAINT-HILAIRE:

MSH
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