Pink granular mass of vittinkiite-rhodonite, with red-brown spessartine, and some sulphides (galena, pyrite, sphalerite etc). Probe analyses range from Ca0.2-0.6Fe0.4-0.5Mn4.4-3.9Si5O15. From: Rosebery Mine, Rosebery, Rosebery district, West Coast municipality, Tasmania, Australia. — Photo: Ralph Bottrill · CC BY 4.0
Vittinkiite
Vittinkiite is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the silicate class, with the chemical formula MnMn₃MnSi₅O₁₅.
It crystallizes in the triclinic crystal system (space group P-1). It is a member of the Rhodonite structural group.
Key properties: specific gravity 3.68; White streak; Vitreous luster; optically biaxial.
IMA symbol Vtk, IMA status: approved, named in 2019.
It is found associated with Quartz, rhodonite, tephroite, pyroxmangite, Mn oxides.
The name refers to the Vittinki iron mines, Isokyrö, Western and Inner Finland Region, Finland, from where the studied material was collected (Fersman Museum #15061).