Tokyoite
Appearance
Tokyoite | |
---|---|
General | |
Category | Vanadate mineral |
Formula (repeating unit) | Ba2(Mn3+,Fe3+)OH(VO4)2 |
Strunz classification | 8.BG.05 |
Crystal system | Monoclinic |
Crystal class | Prismatic (2/m) (same H-M symbol) |
Unit cell | a = 9.104 Å, b = 6.132 Å c = 7.895 Å; β = 112.2°; Z = 2 |
Identification | |
Color | Reddish black |
Crystal habit | Occurs as splotchy, anhedral crystals forming inclusions |
Cleavage | None observed |
Mohs scale hardness | 4.5 - 5 |
Luster | Vitreous |
Streak | Deep brownish red |
Diaphaneity | Translucent |
Specific gravity | 4.62 calculated |
Optical properties | Biaxial (?) |
Refractive index | a=1.99, g=2.03 |
Birefringence | 0.0400 |
Pleochroism | Distinct, reddish orange to dark brownish red |
References | [1][2][3] |
Tokyoite is a rare barium manganese vanadate mineral with the chemical formula: Ba2(Mn3+,Fe3+)OH(VO4)2. It is the manganese analogue of the iron rich gamagarite[2] and the barium analogue of the lead vanadate, brackebuschite.[3]
It occurs in low-grade metamorphosed sedimentary manganese ore deposits[1] associated with hyalophane, braunite and tamaite.[3]
It was first reported for an occurrence in the Shiromaru Mine, Okutama, Tama district, Tokyo Prefecture, Kantō region, Honshu Island, Japan and approved by the IMA in 2003.[2] It has been found in two mines in Italy and one in Japan, for which it was named.[1]