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Silicate

Tsepinite-Ca

(Ca,K,Na)₂₋ₓ(Ti,Nb)₂(Si₄O₁₂)(OH,O)₂·4H₂O
Hardness5
Crystal systemMonoclinic
ClassSilicate
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Tsepinite-Ca

Tsepinite-Ca is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the silicate class, with the chemical formula (Ca,K,Na)₂₋ₓ(Ti,Nb)₂(Si₄O₁₂)(OH,O)₂·4H₂O.

It crystallizes in the monoclinic crystal system (space group C2/m). It is a member of the Labuntsovite structural group.

Key properties: Mohs hardness 5; specific gravity 2.73; White streak; Vitreous luster; optically biaxial.

IMA symbol Tsp-Ca, IMA status: approved, named in 2002.

Found in cavities formed by hydrothermal leaching of rinkite in a pegmatite that cuts nepheline syenite.

It is found associated with Microcline, aegirine, natrolite, kentbrooksite, kupletskite, Mn-rich lamprophyllite, fluorapatite, catapleiite, ancylite-(Ce), ancylite-(La), fluorapophyllite.

Suffix indicates the Ca-dominant analog of tsepinite-Na and tsepinite-K.

Index entry. This entry combines official IMA/RRUFF species data with published physical-property data — a full written entry hasn’t been published yet. Browse more T minerals or help write this entry.