Exhibit in the University of Arizona Mineral Museum - University of Arizona - Tucson, Arizona, USA. — Photo: Daderot · CC0
Taniajacoite
Taniajacoite is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the silicate class, with the chemical formula SrCaMn³⁺₂Si₄O₁₁(OH)₄·2H₂O.
It crystallizes in the triclinic crystal system (space group C1). It is a member of the Ruizite structural group.
Key properties: Mohs hardness 5–5.5; specific gravity 3.05; Very light brown streak; Vitreous luster; optically biaxial.
IMA symbol Tjc, IMA status: approved, named in 2014.
On chemically weathered metamorphosed manganese ore.
It is found associated with Sugilite, aegirine, pectolite, richterite, potassic-ferri-leakeite, lipuite.
The mineral was named to honor its finders, Tania Janse van Nieuwenhuizen (b. 1973) and Jacobus “Jaco” Stephanus Janse van Nieuwenhuizen (b. 1973).