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Dominant species
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Ilvaite
Ilvaite
Chemical
Formula
Ca(Fe2+)2Fe3+[O|OH|Si2O7]
Species
Silicates
Crystal
System
Orthorhombic
Mohs
Scale
5-6
Specific
Gravity
3.8-4.1
Color
Iron-black, dark grayish black
Streak
black
Luster
Sub-Metallic
Refractive
Index
n = 1.727 n = 1.870 n = 1.883
Diaphaneity
Opaque
Cleavage
Distinct/GoodDistinct on
Fracture
Irregular/Uneven
Crystal Habit:Prismatic, columnar, radiating, compact massive,
Geological Setting:Contact metasomatic rocks and iron deposits.
Ilvaite is a sorosilicate of iron and calcium with formula: CaFe2+2Fe3+Si2O7O(OH). Both manganese and magnesium substitute in the structure. Ilvaite crystallizes in the orthorhombic system in black prismatic crystals and columnar masses. It is black to brownish black to gray and opaque. It has a Mohs hardness of 5.5 to 6 and a specific gravity of 3.8 to 4.1. Ilvaite is structurally related to lawsonite.

It occurs in contact metamorphic rocks and skarn ore deposits. It also occurs less commonly in syenites.

Ilvaite was first described in 1811 on the island of Elba and the name ilvaite from the Latin name ilva of the island. Sometimes referred to as Yenite