Saamite
Saamite is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the silicate class, with the chemical formula Ba TiNbNa₃Ti(Si₂O₇)₂O₂(OH)₂(H₂O)₂.
It crystallizes in the triclinic crystal system (space group P-1). It is a member of the Seidozerite-Lamprophyllite structural group.
Key properties: Mohs hardness 3; specific gravity 3.243; White streak; Vitreous luster; optically biaxial.
IMA symbol Saa, IMA status: approved, named in 2013.
Found in a hydrothermally-altered pegmatite body emplaced in nepheline syenite.
It is found associated with Natrolite, barytolamprophyllite, kazanskyite, nechelyustovite, hydroxylapatite, belovite-(La), belovite-(Ce), gaidonnayite, nenadkevichite, epididymite.
The mineral was named to honor the Saami, indigenous people populating parts of the Kola Peninsula in Russia, Norway, Sweden, and Finland.