crystals of pezzottaite-(Cs) : Sakavalana mine, Ambatovita, Mandrosonoro area, Ambatofinandrahana District, Amoron'i Mania Region, Fianarantsoa Province, Madaga — Photo: Géry PARENT · CC0
Pezzottaite
The caesium analogue of beryl — 'raspberyl' — a vivid raspberry-pink gem recognized in 2003.
Intro adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA).
Pezzottaite is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the silicate class, with the chemical formula CsLiBe₂Al₂Si₆O₁₈.
It crystallizes in the hexagonal crystal system (space group R-3c). It is a member of the Beryl structural group.
Key properties: Mohs hardness 8; specific gravity 3.1; typically pink or orange; white streak; vitreous luster; refractive index 1.611.
IMA symbol Pez, IMA status: approved, named in 2003.
Collections: Gemstones, Rare & Remarkable.