Bustamite: The rhodonite mineral Bustamite information and pictures

About

Bustamite is an intermediary mineral between the Rhodonite and Wollastonite series. It is often regarded as a calcium-rich variety of Rhodonite, but scientifically it is classified as an individual mineral, not a variety. It is very similar in habit to Rhodonite, and often forms in the same localities. However, its color is usually less intense red than that of Rhodonite, most often having a light pastel pink or brownish-red color. Bustamite was named in honor of Mexican general Anastasio Bustamente (1780-1853).

Crystal Forms & Aggregates

Crystals, which are rare, are similar to those of Rhodonite (i.e. tabular and rectangular prismatic forms). Usually massive, grainy, and fibrous.

Striking Features

Color, crystal habits, and localities

Environment

Manganese-rich metamorphic environments.

Noteworthy Localities

Bustamite is not a common mineral and has limited localities. The two most important locality for this mineral are Franklin, Sussex Co., New Jersey; and Broken Hill, New South Wales, Australia.

Other localities are the Kanoiri Mine, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan; the Wessels Mine, Hotazel, in the Kalahari manganese fields, South Africa; Langban, Filipstad, Sweden; the Meldon Quarry, Devon, England; the Treburland Mine, Altarnun, Cornwall, England; and Jail Hill, Haddam, Middlesex Co., Connecticut.