Mineralpedia Details for Bystrite

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Bystrite

Named for the type locality at the Malo-Bystrinskoe lazurite deposit in the Lake Baikal area of the Eastern Siberian Region in Russia. This is the only locality for Bystrite. It occurs in a lazurite deposit with, additionally, calcite and diopside. Tabular crystals in as irregular grains and aggregates, usually a deep yellow color with a vitreous luster.

Ref. Handbook of Mineralogy, Anthony et al (1995) and MSA at http://www.handbookofmineralogy.org/pdfs/bystrite.pdf

Formula: (Na,K,Ca)₈(Si₆Al₆)O₂₄S_1.5·H₂O
Crystal System: Trigonal
Crystal Habit: Tabular, Irregular Grains
Cleavage: Good, Poor, None
Luster: Vitreous (Glassy)
Color: yellow
Streak: light yellow
Class: Trigonal - Ditrigonal Pyramidal
Hardness: 5
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Mindat: View Bystrite

Bystrite from Malaya Bystraya deposit, Tunka Valley, Baikal area, Siberia, Russia

Minute yellow grains to about 0.75mm.

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Bystrite from Sludyanka, Lake Baikal area, Prebaikalia, Siberia, Russia

Special Info: Type & Only Locality

Originally labeled as Tounkite, but actually yellow Bystrite grains with bright blue Lazurite. It is sawed on one side. Bystrite is a member of the Cancrinite group. Very rare one locality mineral.