Isolated pink crystal of sorensenite, a very rare Sn-Be silicate only known worldwide from this remote locality in Greenland (Kvanefjeld Plateau, Kitaa Province, Greenland). — Photo: David Hospital · CC BY-SA 4.0
Sørensenite
Sørensenite is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the silicate class, with the chemical formula Na₄Be₂Sn(Si₃O₉)₂·2H₂O.
It crystallizes in the monoclinic crystal system (space group Cc).
Key properties: Mohs hardness 5–5.5; specific gravity 2.9; Silky luster; optically biaxial.
IMA symbol Sør, IMA status: approved, named in 1965.
On the floor of miarolitic cavities in hydrothermal veins cutting coarse-grained nepheline syenites.
It is found associated with Analcime, microcline, neptunite, sodalite, aegirine, arfvedsonite, beryllite, chkalovite, apatite, sphalerite.
The name refers to Professor Henning S¿rensen, Danish mineralogist and petrographer, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.