Bitikleite
Bitikleite is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the oxides & hydroxide class, with the chemical formula Ca₃(SbSn)(AlO₄)₃.
It crystallizes in the cubic crystal system (space group Ia-3d). It is a member of the Garnet structural group.
Key properties: specific gravity 4.505; White streak; Strong vitreous luster.
IMA symbol Bkl, IMA status: approved, named in 2009.
Found in the cuspidine zone of high-temperature skarns in a carbonate-silicate xenolith at the contact with ignimbrites.
It is found associated with Cuspidine, fluorite, wadalite, rondorfite, bultfonteinite, As-bearing fluor- and hydroxylellestadite, ettringite group minerals, perovskite, magnesioferrite.
The name refers to Bitikle, an old fortification near where the new mineral was discovered. Formerly bitikleite-(SnAl).