Balestraite
Balestraite is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the silicate class, with the chemical formula KLi₂V⁵⁺Si₄O₁₂.
It crystallizes in the monoclinic crystal system (space group C2). It is a member of the Mica structural group.
Key properties: Mohs hardness 2.5–3; specific gravity 2.946; Silky luster; optically biaxial.
IMA symbol Bls, IMA status: approved, named in 2013.
Found in manganesiferous beds within the metacherts (prehnite-pumpellyite facies) of an ophiolitic sequence.
It is found associated with Hematite, quartz, calcite.
The mineral was named to honor Corrado Balestra (b. 1962), an Italian amateur mineralogist and expert on Ligurian minerals.
Index entry. This entry combines official IMA/RRUFF species data with published physical-property data — a full written entry hasn’t been published yet.
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