Thomasclarkite-(Y)

Formula: (Na,Ce)(Y,REE)(HCO3)(OH)3·4H2O

Origin of name: Named after Thomas Henry Clark (1893-1996), McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, noted for his studies of the geology of the St. Lawrence Lowlands.

 

Crystal system: Monoclinic, pseudotetragonal

Crystal class: 2

Twinning: On {101}, ubiquitous

Unit cell: a = 4.556, b = 13.018, c = 4.566, β = 90.15°

 

Colour: White to yellow

Diaphaneity: Semitransparent

Luster: Vitreous

Habit: As blocky crystals to 2 mm, showing {010}, {010}, {101}, {101}, {111}, {111}, {111}, {111}, singly and in groups.

Hardness: 2-3

Specific gravity: 2.30

Cleavage: 2, {010} perfect, parting on {101}

Tenacity: Brittle, uneven fracture

Streak: White

 

Synonyms/varieties:

 

Comments:  Occurs as a late hydrothermal phase in alkaline pegmatite dikes in nepheline syenite.

 

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