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Pink Bustamite with Franklinite

The Mineral bustamite




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).
Chemical Formula (Mn,Ca)SiO3
Composition Manganese calcium silicate
Color Most often light pink. May also be deep pink, light red, and brown. Some specimens tarnish black or brown upon exposure to air.
Streak White
Hardness 5 - 6
Crystal System Triclinic
Crystal Forms
and Aggregates
Crystals, which are rare, are similar to those of Rhodonite (i.e. tabular and rectangular prismatic forms). Usually massive, grainy, and fibrous.
Transparency Translucent
Specific Gravity 3.0 - 3.4
Luster Vitreous
Cleavage 2,2 - forming at an angle near 90º
Fracture Hackly, uneven
Tenacity Brittle
In Group Silicates; Inosilicates
Striking Features Color, crystal habits, and localities
Environment Manganese-rich metamorphic environments.
Rock Type Metamorphic
Popularity (1-4) 4
Prevalence (1-3) 3
Demand (1-3) 3


Bustamite AUCTIONS




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.

COMMON MINERAL ASSOCIATIONS
Calcite, Rhodonite, Tephroite, Galena, Franklinite, Willemite

DISTINGUISHING SIMILAR MINERALS
Rhodonite - Usually has a darker color; otherwise difficult to distinguish.


bustamite PHOTOS
 
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
 
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