Phosinaite-(Ce)
Na₁₃Ca₂Ce(Si₄O₁₂)(PO₄)₄

     Phosinaite-(Ce), formerly UK # 64, is another rare species at MSH. Phosinaite-(Ce) crystals are usually covered by a brownish film masking the true colour of the crystals.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS:

Color is usually colorless to light brown.
Luster is vitreous.
Diaphaneity is transparent.
Crystal System is orthorhombic; P22₁2₁.
Crystal Habits include fibres and thin acicular needles.
Cleavage [100] is perfect, [010] and [110] are indistinct.
Fracture is (??).
Hardness is 3.5
Specific Gravity is approximately 2.97 g/cm³.
Streak is white.
Associated Minerals include eudialyte, fluorite, steenstrupine,
   thermonatrite, ussingite, villiaumite and vuonnemite.
Distinguishing Features: Crystal habit.
Origin: Named in 1974 to reflect its composition: phosphorus, silicon
   and sodium.

CLASSIFICATION:

REFERENCES:
AmMin 60:488 (1975)

DISTRIBUTION AND RARITY AT MONT SAINT-HILAIRE:

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