Balliranoite
A cancrinite-group silicate-carbonate-chloride from the Vesuvius volcanic complex, named for mineralogist Paolo Ballirano.
Intro adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA).
Balliranoite is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the silicate class, with the chemical formula (Na,K)₆Ca₂(Si₆Al₆O₂₄)Cl₂(CO₃).
It crystallizes in the hexagonal crystal system (space group P6_3). It is a member of the Cancrinite, Cancrinite-sodalite structural group.
Key properties: Mohs hardness 5; specific gravity 2.48; Vitreous luster; optically uniaxial.
IMA symbol Blr, IMA status: approved, named in 2008.
A product of metasomatic reaction between alkaline magma and limestone.
It is found associated with Orthoclase, phlogopite, clinohumite, calcite, diopside, pargasite, haüyne, apatite.
The mineral was named to honor the Italian crystallographer Paolo Ballirano (b. 1964), Department of Earth Sciences, University of Rome.