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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).
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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)
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4 |
Prevalence (1-3)
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3 |
Demand (1-3) |
3 |
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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.
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Rhodonite - Usually has a darker color; otherwise difficult to distinguish.
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