Image: <bdi><a href="https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q56247090" class="extiw" title="d:Q56247090"><span title="mineral collector and dealer">Robert M. Lavinsky</span></a></bdi> (CC BY-SA 3.0)
triclinicuncommonInosilicates
Babingtonite
Ca2Fe2+Fe3+Si5O14(OH)
Babingtonite typically forms sharp, lustrous, black to dark green prismatic or tabular crystals, often found in aggregates. The image displays well-formed, shiny black crystals contrasting with lighter associated minerals.
Babingtonite Physical Properties
Mohs Hardness
5.5Crystal System
triclinicLuster
vitreousStreak Color
greenish-grayCleavage
good on {100} and {001}Fracture
unevenSpecific Gravity
3.35Colors
black, dark green, dark brownTransparency
translucentType Locality
near Meigu, Xichang County, Sichuan Province, ChinaMineral Group
InosilicatesUses
collectorAssociated Minerals
prehnite, quartzRarity
uncommonGeological Context
Babingtonite is a relatively rare mineral found in contact metamorphic zones, skarns, and hydrothermal veins, often associated with granitic rocks or in cavities within basalt. It forms under specific conditions of high iron and calcium content.
