Babingtonite
Image: Robert M. Lavinsky (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Mineral NameBabingtonite
Chemical FormulaCa2Fe2+Fe3+Si5O14(OH)
Mohs Hardness5.5
Crystal Systemtriclinic
Lustervitreous
Streak Colorgreenish-gray
Cleavagegood on {100} and {001}
Fractureuneven
Specific Gravity3.35
Colorsblack, dark green, dark brown
Transparencytranslucent
Type Localitynear Meigu, Xichang County, Sichuan Province, China
Mineral GroupInosilicates
Usescollector
Associated Mineralsprehnite, quartz
Rarityuncommon
Description
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.
Geological 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.
