Laurentianite
Laurentianite is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the silicate class, with the chemical formula [NbO(H₂O)]₃(Si₂O₇)₂[Na(H₂O)₂]₃.
It crystallizes in the hexagonal crystal system (space group P3).
Key properties: specific gravity 2.464; White streak; Vitreous to satiny luster; optically uniaxial.
IMA symbol Lre, IMA status: approved, named in 2010.
From a highly oxidized waste-rock pile of siderite-dominant pods attributed to altered sodalite syenite. The mineral is likely a late-stage alteration product.
It is found associated with Quartz, pyrite, franconite, rutile, lepidochrocite.
The name refers to Laurentian University, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada, where the research characterizing this mineral as a new species was conducted.
Index entry. This entry combines official IMA/RRUFF species data with published physical-property data — a full written entry hasn’t been published yet.
Browse more L minerals or help write this entry.