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Silicate

Alexkuznetsovite-(La)

La₂Mn(CO₃)(Si₂O₇)
Hardness5
Crystal systemMonoclinic
ClassSilicate

Alexkuznetsovite-(La)

Alexkuznetsovite-(La) is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the silicate class, with the chemical formula La₂Mn(CO₃)(Si₂O₇).

It crystallizes in the monoclinic crystal system (space group P2_1/c). It is a member of the Biraite structural group.

Key properties: Mohs hardness 5; specific gravity 4.713; White streak; Vitreous luster; optically biaxial.

IMA symbol Axk-La, IMA status: approved, named in 2019.

Occurs as part of rich REE mineralization in polymineralic nodules of the Mochalin Log placer deposit, probably developed during fenitization of granitic pegmatites within granite-gneisses in the exocontact zone of an alkaline intrusion.

It is found associated with Allanite-(Ce)/-(La), bastnäsite-(Ce)/-(La), fluorbritholite-(Ce), perbøeite-(Ce)/-(La), percleveite-(Ce)/-(La), törnebohmite-(Ce)/-(La), biraite-(Ce).

The mineral was named to honor Russian mineral collector Alexey M. Kuznetsov (b. 1962) who provided samples of the studied material. The suffix is the dominant REE.

Index entry. This entry combines official IMA/RRUFF species data with published physical-property data — a full written entry hasn’t been published yet. Browse more A minerals or help write this entry.