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Silicate

Pyrosmalite-(Fe)

Fe²⁺₈Si₆O₁₅(OH)₁₀
Crystal systemHexagonal
ClassSilicate
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Pyrosmalite-(Fe) specimen

Pyrosmalite-(Fe) Locality: Nordmark , Filipstad , Värmland , Sweden ( Locality at mindat.org ) Field of view 7mm. Specimen and photo Leon Hupperichs. This Photo was Mindat.org Photo of the Day - 30th Oct 2009 — Photo: Leon Hupperichs · CC BY-SA 3.0

Pyrosmalite-(Fe)

Pyrosmalite-(Fe) is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the silicate class, with the chemical formula Fe²⁺₈Si₆O₁₅(OH)₁₀.

It crystallizes in the hexagonal crystal system (space group P-3m1). It is a member of the Pyrosmalite, Clay structural group.

Key properties: specific gravity 3.14; optically uniaxial.

IMA symbol Pys-Fe, IMA status: approved, named in 1808.

Intergrown with sulfdes, developed during metamorphism of a stratiform Pb-Zn deposit; a retrograde reaction product derived from clinopyroxene in saline fluid inclusions in contact metamorphic rocks.

It is found associated with Fayalite, greenalite, galena, sphalerite, clinopyroxene, hornblende, grunerite, garnet, biotite, magnetite, apatite.

The name refers to its high Fe iron content and relation to pyrosmalite-(Mn); pyrosmalite from the Greek for fire and odor, for the odor when heated.

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 P minerals or help write this entry.