Mineralpedia Details for Rhabdophane-(La)
Rhabdophane-(La)
Named for the Greek rhabdos, meaning “rod,” and phainesthai, meaning “to appear,” in reference to the bands that appear in the emission spectrum, and for its lanthanum dominance over the other rare earth elements in the species. A rare mineral found in association with clay minerals and opal, and forms as a secondary mineral in weathered sediments that are cut by faults, where the sediments are likey from prophyritic granites.
Ref. Handbook of Mineralogy, Anthony et al (1995) and MSA at http://www.handbookofmineralogy.org/pdfs/rhabdophane-(La).pdf
- Formula
- LaPO4·H2O
- Crystal System
- Hexagonal
- Cleavage
- None, None, None
- Luster
- Greasy (Oily)
- Color
- brown, pink
- Streak
- white
- Class
- Hexagonal - Trapezohedral
- Hardness
- 3-4
- WebMineral
- View Rhabdophane-(La)
- Mindat
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Rhabdophane-(La) from Pegmatite #60, Karnasurt Mt., Lovozero Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia
This specimen was Identified by Dr. Igor Pekov, a world renowned mineralogist and authority on the Kola Peninsula. Though discovered in 1883, Rhabdophane (La), is still only found in 10 worldwide localities. This specimen features a single blocky dark brownish red crystal to 4mm. Rhabdophane-(La) was originally called "Scovillite" and found in Salisbury Iron mine in Litchfield Co., Connecticut.
