Outstanding pink crystal aggregates of the very rare zirconium mineral aqualite from one of the only three known localities worldwide (Kovdor Phlogopite Mine, Kovdor Massif, Murmansk Oblast, Russian Federation). Ex. Erich Laskowski collection (USA). — Photo: David Hospital · CC BY 4.0
Aqualite
A very rare eudialyte-group silicate notable for containing hydronium ions in its structure.
Intro adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA).
Aqualite is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the silicate class, with the chemical formula (H₃O)₈(Na,K,Sr)₅Ca₆Zr₃Si₂₆O₆₆(OH)₉Cl.
It crystallizes in the hexagonal crystal system (space group R3). It is a member of the Eudialyte structural group.
Key properties: Mohs hardness 4–5; specific gravity 2.58; White streak; Vitreous luster; optically uniaxial.
IMA symbol Aq, IMA status: approved, named in 2002.
Found in a hydrothermally altered perakaline pegmatite in an alkaline massif.
It is found associated with Natrolite, microcline, eckermanite, aegirine, batisite, innelite, lorenzenite, thorite, galena.
The name comes from the Latin aqua in allusion to the role of “water” in its composition.