Mineralpedia Details for Lovdarite

Lovdarite

Formula: K₂Na₆Be₄Si₁₄O₃₆·9H₂O
Crystal System: Orthorhombic
Crystal Habit: Prismatic, Radial
Cleavage: Distinct, Distinct, Distinct
Luster: Vitreous (Glassy)
Color: colorless, yellow, yellowish white, white
Streak: white
Class: Orthorhombic - Pyramidal
Hardness: 5-6
WebMineral: View Lovdarite
Mindat: View Lovdarite

Lovdarite from Yubileinaya peg., Karnasurt Mt., Lovozero Massif, Kola Pen., Russia

Special Info: Type Locality

White fibrous crystals in a 2.5mm area. Lovdarite is a beryllium zeolite found in alkali, silica poor environments in only three worlwide localities. Yubileinaya pegmatite, by Dr. Igor Pekov's standard is one of the greatest pegmatites in the world. In such a small deposit of 26 x 1 meters nearly 50 minerals can be found (Mindat has it at 42 with 12 TL's). It is probably a world record in terms of new minerals per volume according to Pekov. It is a "hyperalkaline" pegmatite according to Pekov. This is type locality for Lovardite.