Pale pink crystals of the extremely rare mineral strontiowhitlockite from the type and only known locality worldwide (Kovdor Zheleznyi Mine, Kovdor Massif, Murmansk Oblast, Russian Federation). Ex.Dr.Wilke specimen. — Photo: David Hospital · CC BY-SA 4.0
Strontiowhitlockite
Strontiowhitlockite is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the phosphate class, with the chemical formula Sr₉Mg(PO₃OH)(PO₄)₆.
It crystallizes in the hexagonal crystal system. It is a member of the Cerite structural group.
Key properties: specific gravity 3.64; White streak; Dull luster; optically uniaxial.
IMA symbol Swht, IMA status: approved, named in 1989.
Very rare, in cavities in a dolomite carbonatite vein cutting pyroxenites in an alkalic massif.
It is found associated with Strontian collinsite, bobierrite, carbonate-fluorapatite, rimkorolgite, pyrite, dolomite, unnamed Sr–Mg phosphate.
As the strontium analog of whitlockite.