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Ixiolite
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Ixiolite is an accessory oxide mineral found in granitic pegmatites. It is an oxide with the general chemical formula (Ta,Nb,Sn,Mn,Fe)4O8 or (Ta,Mn,Nb)O2.
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Ixiolite | |
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![]() Ixiolite found in Mozambique | |
General | |
Category | Oxide minerals |
Formula (repeating unit) | (Ta,Nb,Sn,Mn,Fe)4O8[1] or (Ta,Mn,Nb)O2[2] |
IMA symbol | Ix[3] |
Strunz classification | 4.DB.25 |
Crystal system | Orthorhombic, some varieties might be monoclinic[4][1] |
Crystal class | Dipyramidal (mmm) H-M symbol: (2/m 2/m 2/m) |
Space group | Pbcn[2] |
Unit cell | a = 4.785, b = 5.758 c = 5.16 [Å]; Z = 4[2] |
Identification | |
Color | Steel-grey, black |
Crystal habit | Irregular granular or inclusions, also as prismatic crystals; some varieties might be pseudoorthorhombic |
Twinning | Uncommon on {013} |
Fracture | Irregular/ uneven, sub-conchoidal |
Tenacity | Brittle |
Mohs scale hardness | 6 - 6+1⁄2 |
Luster | Sub-metallic |
Diaphaneity | Opaque |
Specific gravity | 7.03 - 7.23 |
References | [1][5][6][2] |
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