Pink crystal fragment of the rare mineral olenite from Karelia Republic, Russian Federation. — Photo: David Hospital · CC BY-SA 4.0
Olenite
Olenite is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the silicate class, with the chemical formula NaAl₃Al₆(Si₆O₁₈)(BO₃)₃O₃(OH).
It crystallizes in the hexagonal crystal system (space group R3m). It is a member of the Tourmaline structural group.
Key properties: Mohs hardness 7.5; specific gravity 3.01; typically pink or red; white streak; Vitreous luster; optically uniaxial.
IMA symbol Ole, IMA status: approved, named in 1985.
Found in pegmatitic veins crosscutting Precambrian metasediments.
It is found associated with Elbaite, quartz, albite, potassic feldspar.
The name refers to the occurrence on the Oleny Ridge, Russia.
Collections: Collector Favorites, Rare & Remarkable.