|
|
www.mineralgallery.co.za Minerals K-O |
|
|
Neptunite |
||
Name
Neptunite
Chemistry
KNa2Li(Fe, Mn)2Ti2Si8O24
Uses
Mineral specimen
Color
Dark red to black
Hardness
5 - 6
Specific gravity
3.19 -3.24
Crystals
Monoclinic
Accompanied by:
Benitoite, Natrolite, Joaquinite, Serpentine
Fracture
Conchoidal to uneven
Luster
Vitreous to submetallic
Cleavage
Perfect
Streak
Reddish-brown.
Similar to:
Aegerine, Eudialyte, Arfvedsonite, Natrolite, Benitoite.
Neptunite is a "new" mineral that was discovered in this century.
The mineral derives its name from mythology; Neptune (Roman god of the sea), because it was found with Aegerine, which was named after Aegir (Scandinavian sea god).
Hydrothermal in veins, associated with Benitoite; Eudialyte and Natrolite.
Neptunite normally forms prismatic crystals with square cross sections.
Neptunite is a brittle mineral.
