Bustamite
Image: Robert M. Lavinsky (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Mineral NameBustamite
Chemical FormulaCaMn(Si2O6)
Mohs Hardness6
Crystal Systemtriclinic
Lustervitreous
Streak Colorwhite
Cleavageperfect on {100}, good on {110}, distinct on {001}
Fractureuneven
Specific Gravity3.35
Colorspink, reddish-brown, reddish-orange, gray
Transparencytranslucent
Type LocalityWessels Mine (Wessel's Mine), Hotazel, Kalahari manganese fields, Northern Cape Province, South Africa
Mineral GroupInosilicates (Pyroxenoid Group)
Usescollector's mineral, minor ore of manganese
Associated Mineralsrhodonite, tephroite, johannsenite, kutnahorite, calcite, quartz, braunite, hausmannite
Rarityuncommon
Description
This specimen features a prominent mass of reddish-pink to orange-brown bustamite crystals, exhibiting a vitreous luster and forming a substantial mineral aggregate.
Geological Context
Bustamite is a pyroxenoid mineral that typically forms in metamorphosed manganese-rich deposits, often found in association with other manganese silicates and oxides.
