Serandite - Encyclopedia
Class : Silicates
Subclass : Inosilicates
Crystal System : Triclinic
Chemistry : Na(Mn, Ca)2Si3O8(OH)
Rarity : Rare
Serandite forms an isomorphic series with pectolite, its calcic equivalent, the intermediate terms being called schizolite. It owes its name to the mineral collector J. M. Sérand, who participated in its collection on the island of Rouma in Guinea. Serandite is essentially a mineral of alkaline complexes, it crystallizes in the geodes of nepheline syenites and their pegmatites. It occurs in thick prismatic or tabular crystals, of a beautiful pale pink to salmon pink or red, sometimes pinkish gray color. It is sometimes cut but its rarity and its fairly low hardness do not allow it to rise to the rank of jewelry stone, it is more reserved for the collection. Its crystals are also sought after by mineral collectors.
Serandite in the World
Serandite in France
Twinning
This mineral twins around the composition plane [010], the contact twin is less frequent on (110).
Fakes ans treatments
Hardness : 5 to 5,5
Density : 3.34
Fracture : Uneven
Streak : White
TP : Translucent to transparent
IR : 1.668 to 1.703
Birefringence : 0.035
Optical character : Biaxial +
Pleochroism : None
Fluorescence : None
Solubility : Hydrochloric acid
Magnetism : None
Radioactivity : None