Caresite Field of View 1.3 mm; View window 1.3 x 1.0 mm. Thanks to Tony Steede. MOB coll. This particular variety looks similar to some cordylite-(Ce) (or lukechangite) but it is caresite-3T from an analyzed find. William Henderson describes (larger) caresite-3T of apparently similar habits found in May 2002 (Micronews 37 #1 p. 4.) The pale pinkish stuff is altered rhodochrosite. — Photo: Modris Baum · Public domain
Caresite
Caresite is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the carbonate class, with the chemical formula Fe²⁺₄Al₂(OH)₁₂(CO₃)·3H₂O.
It crystallizes in the hexagonal crystal system (space group P3_112). It is a member of the Hydrotalcite structural group.
Key properties: Mohs hardness 2; specific gravity 2.59; White streak; Vitreous luster; optically uniaxial.
IMA symbol Cre, IMA status: approved, named in 1992.
A late-stage hydrothermal mineral in an alkaline complex.
It is found associated with Microcline, analcime, natrolite, calcite, a vermiculite- or smectite-group mineral, chamosite, aegirine (Poudrette quarry); analcime, microcline, natrolite.
The mineral was named to honor Stephen (b. 1909) and Janet (b. l921) Cares, amateur mineralogists from Sudbury, Massachusetts, USA, co-finders of the mineral.