Tritomite

Formula: (Ce,La,Y,Th)5(Si,B)3(O,OH,F)13

Origin of name: from Greek for three and to cut

 

Crystal system: hexagonal

Crystal class: 6/m

Twinning:

Unit cell: 

 

Colour: dark brown

Diaphaneity: translucent in thin splinters

Luster: vitreous to resinous

Habit: crystals acute triangular pyramidal

Hardness: 5.5

Specific gravity: 4.2

Cleavage: none

Tenacity: 

Streak: 

 

Synonyms/varieties:

 

Comments: two distinct species with the extensions -(Ce) and -(Y) indicating the predominant rare earth element in the composition

 

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