Darrellhenryite , Albite (Var. Cleavelandite) Dimensions: 69 mm x 51 mm x 34 mm Locality: Nová Ves, Český Krumlov District, South Bohemian Region, Czech Republic Description: Pink crystals of darrellhenryite up to 32mm typicaly in cleavelandite-rich matrix. Personal collection of PG. — Photo: Petr Gadas · Public domain
Darrellhenryite
Darrellhenryite is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the silicate class, with the chemical formula Na(Al₂Li)Al₆(Si₆O₁₈)(BO₃)₃(OH)₃O.
It crystallizes in the hexagonal crystal system (space group R3m). It is a member of the Tourmaline structural group.
Key properties: Mohs hardness 7; specific gravity 3.03; Pinkish white streak; Vitreous luster; optically uniaxial.
IMA symbol Dhry, IMA status: approved, named in 2012.
Found in the central part of a zoned complex, Li-bearing, petalite-type pegmatite dike.
It is found associated with Lepidolite, Li-bearing tourmalines, amblygonite, albite, K-feldspar, quartz, petalite, polylithionite, pollucite.
The mineral was named to honor Darrell J. Henry (b. 1951), Professor of Geology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, USA, and an expert on the mineralogy, petrology, crystal chemistry.