Formula: (Ba,Sr)6(Ca,Mn)6Mg(CO3)13
Origin of name: For O.J. Benston, American ore dresser
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Crystal class: -3
Twinning:
Unit cell:
Colour: Snow-white to ivory, pale yellow to yellowish brown
Diaphaneity: Translucent
Luster: Vitreous
Habit: Crystals flat unmodified rhombs; crusts of saddle-shaped crystals; cleavable masses
Hardness: 3 to 4
Specific gravity: 3.596 to 3.660
Cleavage: 1; Rhombohedral good
Tenacity:
Streak:
Synonyms/varieties:
Comments: Fluoresces weak yellow or weak to strong red
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