Taikanite
A strontium-bearing silicate named for Russia's Taikan Range.
Intro adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA).
Taikanite is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the silicate class, with the chemical formula BaSr₂Mn³⁺₂O₂(Si₄O₁₂).
It crystallizes in the monoclinic crystal system (space group C2).
Key properties: Mohs hardness 6; specific gravity 4.72; Vitreous to greasy luster; optically biaxial.
IMA symbol Tka, IMA status: approved, named in 1984.
Found in hydrothermal manganese ores related to alkalic dikes intruding limestones and siliceous rocks (Irnimi deposit, Russia); in a bedded manganese deposit (Wessels mine, South Africa).
It is found associated with Braunite, namansilite, strakhovite (Irnimi deposit, Russia); s¶erandite, pectolite, braunite, sugilite, hennomartinite, kornite (Wessels mine, South Africa).
The name refers to the occurrence in the Taikan Mountains, Russia.