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Afghanite

MNHN N°201.190

visu_570 infos

FROM : Sar-e-Sang, Badakhshan, Afghanistan
SIZE : 10.5 x 6.5 cm

general description

This sample is an afghanite on a matrix of white calcite. One can see the small golden crystals of pyrite. The afghanite iappears as prismatic azure-blue crystals. The whole sample maesures 10.5 x 6.5 cm.

It was discovered in 2001 in the mineral deposit of Sar-e-Sang in Afghanistan.

Acquired thanks to support from Total, it is currently exposed in the Room of the Treasure, within the Gallery of Mineralogy of the Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle.

Photography: A. Dahmane / Photo Saint-Hilaire, © MNHN.

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The Species page

Identity card

SPECIE : Afghanite

HISTORY : Named after its type-locality: Afghanistan

Species described in 1968 by Pierre Bariand, Fabien Cesbron & Roger Giraud, French mineralogists

Type-locality: Mine of Lapis-lazuli, Sar-e-Sang, Province of Badakshan, Afghanistan

CHEMICAL FORMULA : (Na,Ca,K)8 (Cl 2, SO 4, CO 3) (Al 6 Si 6 O 24) 0,5H 2O
CRYSTAL SYSTEM : Hexagonal
COLOR : Blue
DIAPHANIETY : Transparent
LUSTER : Vitreous
STREAK : White
MORPHOLOGY : Tabular crystals
HARDNESS : 5,5-6,0
DENSITY : 2,65

CHEMICAL CLASS : VIII - Silicates
GROUP : Gmelinite-offretite
STRUNZ CLASS BEFORE 2001 : 8/J.09-50
STRUNZ CLASS AFTER 2001 : 9.GG.05

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