Formula: (Y,Ca,Ce,U,Th)(Nb,Ta,Ti)2O
Origin of name: From Greek for hospitable
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal class: 2/m 2/m 2/m
Twinning: Common on {201}; rare on {101} or {013}
Unit cell: a = 5.520 Ǻ, b = 14.57 Ǻ, c = 5.166 Ǻ
Colour: Black, brownish-black
Diaphaneity:
Luster: Submetallic, sometimes vitreous or resinous
Habit: Crystals short prismatic, may be flattened; in parallel to divergent aggregates; massive compact
Hardness: 5.5 to 6.5
Specific gravity: 4.3 to 5.8
Cleavage: None
Tenacity: Brittle
Streak: Grey, brown, yellow
Synonyms/varieties:
Comments:
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