Itsiite
Itsiite is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the silicate class, with the chemical formula Ba₂Ca(BSi₂O₇)₂.
It crystallizes in the tetragonal crystal system (space group I-42m). It is a member of the Hyalotekite structural group.
Key properties: Mohs hardness 5.5; specific gravity 3.644; White streak; Vitreous luster; optically uniaxial.
IMA symbol Its, IMA status: approved, named in 2013.
Found in low-temperature, late-stage hydrothermal veins cutting a contact-metamorphic, Ba-rich skarn deposit adjacent to quartz monzonite.
It is found associated with Cerchiaraite-(Fe), diopside, pyrite, quartz, sphalerite, witherite.
The name refers to the Itsi Mountain Range, which gets its name from the language of the Kaska, a First Nations people of the area (“itsi” means “wind”).