Synchysite

Formula: Ca(Ce,La, Nd,Y)(CO3)2F

Origin of name: from Greek for confounding

 

Crystal system: monoclinic, pseudohexagonal

Crystal class: 2/m

Twinning: common on {0001} sometimes lamellar

Unit cell: a = 12.33 Å, b = 7.10 Å, c = 18.74 Å, b = 102.7°

 

Colour: brown, gray to grayish-yellow

Diaphaneity: 

Luster: vitreous to greasy

Habit: crystals thin to thick tabular, pseudohexagonal, minute

Hardness: 4.5

Specific gravity: 3.90 to 4.15

Cleavage: 1; {0001} parting (?)

Tenacity: brittle

Streak: 

 

Synonyms/varieties: doverite (synchysite-(Y))

 

Comments: three distinct species with the extension -(Ce), -(Nd) and -(Y) indicating the predominant rare earth cation in the formula

 

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