Sussexite Explained

Sussexite
Category:Nesoborates
Formula:MnBO2(OH)
Imasymbol:Ssx[1]
Strunz:6.BA.15
System:Monoclinic
Class:Prismatic (2/m)
(same H-M symbol)
Symmetry:P21/c
Color:White to buff, lilac/lavender,[2] pale pink, colorless in transmitted light
Habit:As bladed acicular crystals, to 7 mm; cross-vein or radial fibrous, in felted or matted aggregates, nodular.
Luster:Silky, dull(earthy)
Gravity:3.30

Sussexite is a manganese borate mineral MnBO2(OH). Crystals are monoclinic prismatic and typically fibrous in occurrence. Colour is white, pink, yellowish white with a pearly lustre. It has a Mohs hardness of 3 and a specific gravity of 3.12.[3]

It is named after the Franklin Mining District in Sussex County, New Jersey, US where it was first discovered in 1868.

Sussexite also occurs in France, Italy, Namibia, North Korea, South Africa, Switzerland, and the US states of Michigan, New Jersey, Utah and Virginia.

External links

Notes and References

  1. Warr. L.N.. 2021. IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols. Mineralogical Magazine. 85. 3. 291–320. 10.1180/mgm.2021.43. 2021MinM...85..291W. 235729616. free.
  2. http://www.gemdat.org/gem-3834.html Gemdat.org
  3. http://webmineral.com/data/Sussexite.shtml Webmineral data