Nepheline, Schorlomite Locality: Jebel Bou-Agrao, Amersid, Aït Oufella Caïdat, Midelt Cercle, Midelt Province, Drâa-Tafilalet Region, Morocco Description: A 6.7 — Photo: John Sobolewski (JSS) · CC BY 3.0
Schorlomite
The black titanium-bearing garnet — Ca₃Ti₂(Si,Fe)₃O₁₂ — of alkaline igneous rocks.
Intro adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA).
Schorlomite is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the silicate class, with the chemical formula Ca₃Ti₂(SiFe³⁺₂)O₁₂.
It crystallizes in the cubic crystal system (space group Ia-3d). It is a member of the Garnet structural group.
Key properties: Mohs hardness 7–7.5; specific gravity 3.69–3.88; typically black; Grayish black to red-orange or orange-brown streak; Vitreous luster.
IMA symbol Slo, grandfathered status — known before the IMA’s founding, named in 1846.
Found in carbonatites, syenites, and phonolites; also in skarns.
It is found associated with Leucite, brookite, nepheline, potassic feldspar (Magnet Cove, Arkansas, USA).
The name refers to its resemblance to schorl.
Collections: Collector Favorites, Rare & Remarkable.