
Photo enhanced by AI — Photo: Mineralogist · Public domain
Nashite
Nashite is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the oxides & hydroxide class, with the chemical formula Na₃Ca₂[(V⁴⁺V⁵⁺₉)O₂₈]·24H₂O.
It crystallizes in the monoclinic crystal system (space group P2_1/n). It is a member of the Pascoite structural group.
Key properties: Mohs hardness 2; specific gravity 2.35; Pale bluish green streak; Subadamantine luster; optically biaxial.
IMA symbol Nsh, IMA status: approved, named in 2011.
Occurs as efflorescences on sandstone in the underground workings of a roll-front type uranium vanadium deposit, from the oxidation of montroseite-corvusite assemblages in a moist environment.
It is found associated with Calciodelrioite, calcite, gypsum, huemulite, pascoite, rossite, sherwoodite.
The mineral was named to honor Dr. Barbara P. Nash (b. 1944), Professor of Geology and Geophysics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.