Babefphite
Babefphite is a rare phosphate mineral with the general formula BaBe(PO4)(F,OH). The name is given for its composition (Ba meaning barium, Be meaning beryllium, F meaning fluorine, and P for phosphorus).
Intro adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA).
Babefphite is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the phosphate class, with the chemical formula BaBe(PO₄)F.
It crystallizes in the triclinic crystal system (space group Fdd2).
Key properties: Mohs hardness 3.5; specific gravity 4.31; Vitreous to greasy luster; refractive index 1.631; optically uniaxial.
IMA symbol Bbf, IMA status: approved, named in 1966.
Found in eluvium directly above rare-metal skarn deposits in association with alkaline intrusions.
It is found associated with Zircon, ilmenorutile, fluorite, phenakite, scheelite, bertrandite, albite, microcline, quartz.
The name refers to BArium, BEryllium, Fluorine, and PHosphorous in the composition.