Neptunite

Neptunite

Basic Information:

Color: Dark blue, Black amber

Streak: Dark Red (amber)

Hardness: (5-6) <- means it can be scratched with glass. Luster: Viterous, Smooth and Glassy Gravity: 3.14-3.23 gms/ cm3 Cleavage: Perfect 110 Rarity: rare and uncommon Fracture: Brittle materials- Characterized by smoothly curving surfaces Crystal System: Mono Clinic

Appearance
The appearance of Neptunite sort of has a blue shine to it. But inside is Dark red (amber). It can form in many different shapes, usually forming in a diamond, or cylinder shape. Elongated crystal minerals.
Example:

Physical and Chemical Characteristics/properties
Neptunite is a hard mineral. So Hydrolic Acid makes it easily fusible. (capable of fusion, or being melted). Neptunite is translucent with a strong viterous luster.

Environment
Usually found in cool areas. Some place where it can not touch rain or snow, heat or cold.

Major Deposits
Neptunite, the rare mineral is found in Quebec, Kola Penninsula(Russia), and San Benito County(California).

Other minerals That Neptunite is found with usually includes...
*Benitoite
*Natrolite
*Serpentine
*Aegerine
*Juaquininite

(compound formula)

KNa₂Li(Fe²⁺,Mn²⁺)₂Ti₂Si₈O24

Kamu: 39.0983

Na
Amu: 22.989770
₂Li
Amu: 6.941
(Fe²⁺,Mn²⁺)₂ Fe : 55.845 Mn: 54.938

Ti₂
Amu: 47.867

Si₈
Amu: 28.085
O₂₄
Amu: 15.9994
Element information


Past and Present Uses For Neptunite
Neptunite attract interests to scientists and collectors for its color, rarity, and crystal system.
There are NO possible dangers.

Where did the name Neptunite come from?
The name Neptunite came from the Scandinavian god of the Sea. Known to be peaceful with the ocean he controls. He knows how to be calm and beautiful, yet mean and destructive in other aspects.
Also from Neptune the Planet.

Sources:
Robinson, George W. Minerals. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster Trade, 2006.

Schuster, Simon &. Simon & Schuster's Guide to Rocks and Minerals (Rocks, Minerals and Gemstones). New York: Fireside, 1978.

"NEPTUNITE (Potasium Sodium Lithium Iron Manganese Titanium Silicate)." Amethyst Galleries' Mineral Gallery. 2 Dec. 2008 .

"Neptunite Mineral Data." Mineralogy Database. 2 Dec. 2008 .