Barentsite
Barentsite is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the carbonate class, with the chemical formula Na₇Al(HCO₃)₂(CO₃)₂F₄.
It crystallizes in the triclinic crystal system (space group P-1).
Key properties: Mohs hardness 3; specific gravity 2.56; Vitreous, pearly on cleavages; dull when altered luster; optically biaxial.
IMA symbol Brts, IMA status: approved, named in 1982.
Rare in hydrothermal veinlets in alkalic pegmatites in a differentiated alkalic massif.
It is found associated with Shortite, villiaumite, cryolite, neighborite, bonshtedtite, natrite, albite.
The mineral was named to honor Willem Barents (1550–1597), the famous Dutch seafarer, for whom the Barents Sea, northeast of the Kola Peninsula, was named.
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 B minerals or help write this entry.