Tilasite

Formula: CaMg(AsO4)F

Origin of name: for Daniel Tilas (1712-1772), Swedish mining engineer

 

Crystal system: Monoclinic

Crystal class: 2/m

Twinning: common on {001} as contact twins

Unit cell: a = 6.681-6.701, b = 8.950-8.944, c = 7.553-7.573, b = 120°58'-121°14'

 

Colour: Milky white, gray to violet-gray, rose-red, apple-green to olive-green

Diaphaneity: Translucent

Luster: Resinous

Habit: Crystals complex, may be elongated and flattened, to 6 mm, twinned, massive, veinlets

Hardness: 5

Specific gravity: 3.77

Cleavage: 4; {101} good, {133}, {102} and {011} parting

Tenacity: Brittle

Streak: White

 

Synonyms/varieties:

 

Comments:  Piezoelectric, may fluoresce pale yellow, pale pinkish orange, dark red under SW-UV

 

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