Simpsonite

Formula: Al4(Ta,Nb)3(O,OH,F)14

Origin of name: for E. Simpson, Australian mineralogist

 

Crystal system: hexagonal

Crystal class: 3

Twinning:

Unit cell: 

 

Colour: colourless, pale yellow, cream to light brown

Diaphaneity: transparent

Luster: vitreous to adamantine

Habit: crystals tabular or short prismatic, sometimes bipyramidal, crystalline masses

Hardness: 7 to 7.5

Specific gravity: 6.70

Cleavage: none

Tenacity: 

Streak: 

 

Synonyms/varieties:

 

Comments: fluoresces pale yellow, bluish white or yellowish blue

 

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