Leucophanite is an inosilicate mineral with the chemical formula (Na,Ca)2BeSi2(O.OH.F)7. It may contain cerium substituting in the calcium position.
| Leucophanite | |
|---|---|
 The leucophanite on an aegirine needle (about 4–5 mm on edge) | |
| General | |
| Category | Inosilicates |
| Formula (repeating unit) | (Na,Ca)2BeSi2(O.OH.F)7 |
| IMA symbol | Lph[1] |
| Strunz classification | 9.DH.05 |
| Crystal system | Orthorhombic |
| Crystal class | Disphenoidal (222) (same H-M symbol) |
| Space group | P212121 |
| Identification | |
| References | [2][3][4][5][6] |
It occurs in pegmatites and alkali igneous complexes as yellow, greenish or white triclinic crystals and has been found in Norway, Quebec and Russia.
It was first described from the Langesundfiord district of southern Norway in 1840. The name is from the Greek leucos for "white" and phanein for "to appear" in allusion to the common white color.
References
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