Formula: Mg3Al8BeO16
Origin of name: Named for Count R.Taaffe of Dublin, Ireland, who discovered the mineral in 1945. (S=Spinel, N=Nolanite Layers).
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Crystal class: 6mm
Twinning:
Unit cell: a = 5.69, c = 18.3
Colour: Colourless, violet red, greenish, light green, pink violet
Diaphaneity: Transparent to translucent
Luster: Vitreous
Habit:
Hardness: 8-8.5
Specific gravity: 3.6-3.613
Cleavage: None
Tenacity:
Streak: White
Synonyms/varieties: taaffeite
Comments:
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