Litvinskite
Litvinskite is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the silicate class, with the chemical formula Na₃ZrSi₆O₁₃(OH)₅.
It crystallizes in the monoclinic crystal system (space group Cm). It is a member of the Lovozerite-Zirsinalite–Lovozerite structural group.
Key properties: Mohs hardness 5; specific gravity 2.61; White streak; Vitreous luster; optically biaxial.
IMA symbol Ltv, IMA status: approved, named in 1999.
Found in a hyperagpaitic pegmatite in an alkaline massif.
It is found associated with Aegirine, microcline, nepheline, sodalite, eudialyte, lomonosovite, ussingite, mangan- neptunite.
The mineral was named to honor crystallographer Galina P. Litvinskaya (1920-1994), Moscow State University, Russia.
Index entry. This entry combines official IMA/RRUFF species data with published physical-property data — a full written entry hasn’t been published yet.
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