Geographic Minerals

Hsianghualite

Hsianghualite

Hsianghualite is a tectosilicate (framework silicate) of lithium, calcium, and beryllium, with fluorine, a member of the zeolite group. It is an isometric-tetartoidal white mineral containing beryllium, calcium, fluorine, lithium, oxygen, and silicon. It was discovered in 1958 and named for the type locality, Hsiang Hua, 香花, meaning fragrant flower.

General Information

  • Category: Zeolite
  • Formula: Li2Ca3(BeSiO4)3F2
  • Crystal system: Isometric
  • Crystal class: Tetartoidal (23)

Fig: Hsianghualite

Properties

The structure is analogous to that of analcime with Be and Si in tetrahedral coordination forming a three-dimensional framework. Its space group is I213 (Previously reported as I4132). Unit cell parameters are a = 12.879 or 12.897, and Z = 8.

  • Formula mass: 475.4 g/mol
  • Color: White or colorless
  • Cleavage: None
  • Tenacity: Brittle
  • Mohs scale hardness: 6.5
  • Luster: Vitreous
  • Streak: White
  • Diaphaneity: Transparent to translucent
  • Specific gravity: 2.97 to 3.00, measured.

Occurrence: In phlogopite veins in a °uorine-rich metamorphosed Devonian limestone intruded by a beryllium-bearing granite.

Hsianghualite has been found only at the type locality, the Xianghualing Mine in Linwu County, Hunan Province, China. It occurs within phlogopite veins in the light-colored band of green and white banded metamorphosed Devonian limestone which has been intruded by beryllium-bearing granite.

Association: Fluorite, zinnwaldite, chrysoberyl, taa®eite, liberite.

 

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