Burpalite si a zirconium mineral. Brown crystals of the very rare mineral burpalite from the type locality in Burpala (Siberia, Russian Federation). Only 4 localities known worldwide. — Photo: David Hospital · CC BY-SA 4.0
Burpalite
Burpalite is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the silicate class, with the chemical formula Na₄Ca₂Zr₂(Si₂O₇)₂F₄.
It crystallizes in the monoclinic crystal system (space group P2_1/a). It is a member of the Wöhlerite structural group.
Key properties: Mohs hardness 5–6; specific gravity 3.33; White streak; Vitreous luster; optically biaxial.
IMA symbol Brp, IMA status: approved, named in 1988.
Found in a fenitized hornfelsic sandstone in the contact zone of an alkalic intrusive.
It is found associated with Lº avenite, albite, nepheline, aegirine, alkalic amphibole, biotite, catapleiite, astrophyllite, fluorite, loparite.
The name refers to its occurrence in the Burpala massif, Russia.