Arfvedsonite

Mineral NaNa2(Fe4Fe)Si8O22(OH)2

About it

Black prisms in alkali granite and syenite pegmatite; its deep blue-grey streak helps tell it from hornblende. Mont Saint-Hilaire, Quebec, Greenland, and Mount Malosa, Malawi.

Type
Mineral
Group
Silicate (inosilicate), amphibole group
Formula
NaNa2(Fe4Fe)Si8O22(OH)2
Hardness (Mohs)
5–6
Specific gravity
3.37–3.5
Streak
deep bluish grey
Lustre
vitreous (glassy)
Crystal system
Monoclinic
Colours
black, dark blue-green
Transparency
opaque
Cleavage and fracture
perfect in two directions at about 56° and 124°

Typical values: real specimens vary. For more, see mindat.org.