Samarskite | |
Chemical Formula |
(YFe3+Fe2+U,Th,Ca)2(Nb,Ta)2O8 |
Species |
Oxides & Hydroxides |
Crystal System |
Orthorhombic |
Mohs Scale |
5-6 |
Color |
Black, may have a brownish tint, brown to yellowish brown due to alteration; light to dark brown in transmitted light |
Streak |
Reddish brown |
Luster |
Vitreous - resinous |
Refractive Index |
n = 2.1–2.2 |
Diaphaneity |
Opaque, transparent in thin fragments |
Cleavage |
, indistinct |
Fracture |
Conchoidal fragments |
Crystal Habit:Crystals elongated with pyramidal terminations; commonly granular to massive |