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Geikielite

Geikielite
Geikielite-199902.jpg
Crystals of geikielite from the Maxwell quarry, Chelsea, Outaouais, Québec, Canada
General
Category Oxide mineral
Formula
(repeating unit)
MgTiO3
Strunz classification 4.CB.05
Crystal system Trigonal
Crystal class Rhombohedral (3)
(same H-M symbol)
Space group R3
Unit cell a = 5.05478(26) Å
c = 13.8992(7) Å; Z = 6
Identification
Color Black, ruby red uncommon; red internal reflections
Crystal habit Tabular prismatic crystals, also as finely granular masses
Cleavage Good on {1011}
Mohs scale hardness 5 - 6
Luster Sub-metallic
Streak Purplish brown
Diaphaneity Opaque to translucent
Specific gravity 3.79 - 4.2
Optical properties Uniaxial (-)
Refractive index nω = 2.310 - 2.350 nε = 1.950 - 1.980
Birefringence δ = 0.360 - 0.370
Pleochroism Weak, O = pinkish red, E = brownish to purplish red
References

Geikielite is a magnesium titanium oxide mineral with formula: MgTiO3. It is a member of the ilmenite group. It crystallizes in the trigonal system forming typically opaque, black to reddish black crystals.

It was first described in 1892 for an occurrence in the Ceylonese gem bearing gravel placers. It was named for Scottish geologist Sir Archibald Geikie (1835–1924). It occurs in metamorphosed impure magnesian limestones, in serpentinite derived from ultramafic rocks, in kimberlites and carbonatites. Associated minerals include rutile, spinel, clinohumite, perovskite, diopside, serpentine, forsterite, brucite, hydrotalcite, chlorite and calcite.


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