Bustamite
Image: Robert M. Lavinsky (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Mineral NameBustamite
Chemical Formula(Mn,Ca)SiO3
Mohs Hardness5.5
Crystal Systemtriclinic
Lustervitreous
Streak Colorwhite
Cleavageperfect on {100}, good on {110}
Fractureuneven
Specific Gravity3.38
Colorspink, rose-red, reddish-brown
Transparencytranslucent
Type LocalityWessels Mine (Wessel's Mine), Hotazel, Kalahari manganese fields, Northern Cape Province, South Africa
Mineral Groupsilicates
Usescollector, minor ornamental stone
Associated Mineralsrhodonite, tephroite, calcite, quartz, braunite
Rarityuncommon
Description
This specimen displays a massive aggregate of pale to rose-pink bustamite, exhibiting a fibrous or bladed texture. Darker reddish-brown to black inclusions are scattered throughout the pink matrix.
Geological Context
Bustamite is a pyroxenoid mineral typically found in metamorphosed manganese-rich deposits, often associated with other manganese silicates and oxides. It forms under specific conditions of temperature and pressure.
