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Zirkelite

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Zirkelite
General
CategoryOxide mineral
Formula
(repeating unit)
(Ti,Ca,Zr)O(2−x)
IMA symbolZke[1]
Strunz classification4.DL.05
Crystal systemIsometric
Crystal classHexoctahedral (m3m)
H-M symbol: (4/m 3 2/m)
Unit cella = 5.02 Å, Z = 4
Identification
ColorBlack, reddish brown
Crystal habitCrystalline, metamict, pseudocubic
CleavageNone
FractureBrittle
LusterResinous
StreakBrownish grey
DiaphaneitySubtranslucent to opaque[2]
Density4.7
Other characteristics Radioactive

Zirkelite is an oxide mineral with the chemical formula (Ca,Th,Ce)Zr(Ti,Nb)2O7. It occurs as well-formed fine sized isometric crystals. It is a black, brown or yellow mineral with a hardness of 5.5 and a specific gravity of 4.7.

Name and discovery

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Zirkelite was first discovered in Brazil in 1895. It was named for German petrographer Ferdinand Zirkel (1838–1912).

Occurrence

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Initial discovery was from the Jacupiranga carbonatite, São Paulo, Brazil. It is also found in Canada, Kazakhstan, Norway, Russia, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Warr, L.N. (2021). "IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols". Mineralogical Magazine. 85 (3): 291–320. Bibcode:2021MinM...85..291W. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43. S2CID 235729616.
  2. ^ "Zirkelite Mineral Data".