Crossite is an inosilicate double chain sodic amphibole and is a rare silicate mineral belonging to the riebeckite group. It is considered an intermediate between the amphiboles glaucophane and magnesioriebeckite, which form a series.[1] IMA status: discredited 1997.
| Crossite | |
|---|---|
 Crossite from California | |
| General | |
| Category | Amphibole – Inosilicates |
| Formula (repeating unit) | Na2(Mg,Fe)3(Al,Fe)2Si8O22(OH)2 |
| Crystal system | Monoclinic |
| Identification | |
| Color | blue, blue-green |
| Mohs scale hardness | 6 |
| Luster | Vitreous |
| Streak | light blue |
| Diaphaneity | Transparent to translucent |
| Specific gravity | 3.16 |
| Optical properties | Biaxial (-) |
Crossite is named after Charles Whitman Cross, an American USGS petrologist.
References
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