triclinic Tectosilicates
Bytownite (Tabular)
(Ca,Na)(Al,Si)4O8
Crystal Structure
#! Species: Bytownite
#! System: Triclinic (-1)
#! Habit: Tabular on {010}
triclinic[-1]:{010}@1.0 + {001}@0.8 + {110}@0.6
triclinic
-1
{010} {010} {001} {110}
Quick Facts
Hardness
6.0
Specific Gravity
2.72
Refractive Index
1.563
Optical Character
Biaxial +
Physical Properties
Crystal Systemtriclinic
Hardness (Mohs)6.0
Specific Gravity2.72
CleavagePerfect {001} and good {010}
FractureUneven to conchoidal
LustreVitreous
Optical Properties
Refractive Index1.563
Birefringence0.009
Optical CharacterBiaxial +
Colours
YellowGoldenBrownish-yellowPale yellow
Localities
MexicoOregon (USA)CanadaJapan
Common Inclusions
Twin lamellaeExsolution features
Known Treatments
None commonly applied
Crystal Forms
pinacoidprism
Related Minerals
Other minerals in the triclinic system
