Muséum national d'histoire naturelle _ The species

FROM : Sakavalana Mine, Ambatovita, Fianarantsoa, Madagascar
SIZE : 1.6 x 1.2 cm

This isolated crystal measures 1.6 x 1.2 cm and has a very weak thickness. It has an intense raspberry pink colour, its colour is due to the presence of cesium (Cs). The sample has a nearly hexagonal shape.

This specimen was discovered near Ambatovita in Madagascar in the mineral deposit of Sakavalana. Acquired thanks to support from Total, it is currently exposed in the Treasure Room, within the Gallery of Mineralogy of the Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle.

Photography: Louis-Dominique Bayle, © MNHN.

SPECIE : Pezzottaïte

HISTORY : Species dedicated to Federico Pezzotta (1965-), italian mineralogist and curator of the mineral collection of the Museum of Natural History in Milan

Species first described in 2003 by Brendan Laurs et al.

Type-locality: Mine of Sakavalana, Ambatovita, Fianarantsoa, Madagascar

CHEMICAL FORMULA : Cs(Be2Li) Al2Si6O18
CRYSTAL SYSTEM : Rhomboedric
COLOR : Raspberry red to pink
DIAPHANIETY : Transparent to translucent
LUSTER : Vitreous
STREAK : Colorless to white
MORPHOLOGY : Tabular, hexagonal and flat crystals
HARDNESS : 8
DENSITY : 3,06

CHEMICAL CLASS : VIII - Silicates
GROUP : Beryl
STRUNZ CLASS BEFORE 2001 : --
STRUNZ CLASS AFTER 2001 : 9.CJ.05

Explore the Mineral Treasures of the Muséum

Welcome to
the Virtual Gallery of Mineralogy

Pezzottaïte

Pezzottaïte

MNHN N°203.38

general description

The Species page

Mineralogy