Holmquistite

Holmquistite is named after Per Johan Holmquist (1866-1946), Swedish petrologist.

Holmquistite forms prismatic or acicular crystals up to 10 cm or as columnar sheaflike, massive aggregates. The colour varies from black, dark violet to light sky-blue.
General Information
Chemical Formula
Li
 
2
[(Mg,Fe
2+
 
)
 
3
Al
 
2
]Si
 
8
O
 
22
(OH)
 
2
Anthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001)
Physical Properties of Holmquistite
Mohs Hardness5 to 6
Anthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001)
Specific Gravity2.95 to 3.13
Anthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001)
TenacityBrittle
Anthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001)
Cleavage QualityPerfect
Anthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001)
Optical Properties of Holmquistite
Refractive Index1.622 to 1.666
Anthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001)
Optical CharacterBiaxial/-
Anthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001)
PleochroismStrong in shades of violet when dark-colored.
Anthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001)
DispersionWeak
Anthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001)
Colour
Colour (General)Black, dark violet to light sky-blue; pale yellow to violet in thin section.
Anthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001)
TransparencyTransparent,Translucent
Anthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001)
LustreVitreous
Anthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001)
Crystallography of Holmquistite
Crystal SystemOrthorhombic
Anthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001)
HabitAs prismatic or acicular crystals, to 10 cm, typically striated. In columnar sheaflike aggregates, massive.
Anthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001)
Geological Environment
Where found:As metasomatic replacements near the outer margins of lithium-rich pegmatites.
Anthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001)
Further Information
Mineral information:Holmquistite information at mindat.org
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