Aenigmatite is a relatively rare mineral, a ribbon silicate. The name comes from the Greek "enigma" - a riddle. Forms prismatic crystals, usually irregular in shape. It is also found in grains and their aggregates.
You can see Aenigmatite stone for sale and buy it in the Minerals of Russia online store.
General | |
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Category | Inosilicates |
Formula (repeating unit) |
Na2Fe2+5TiSi6O20 |
IMA symbol | Aen |
Strunz classification | 9.DH.40 |
Crystal system | Triclinic |
Crystal class | Pinacoidal (1) (same H-M symbol) |
Space group | P1 |
Unit cell | a = 10.415(1), b = 10.840(1) c = 8.931(1) [Å]; Z = 2 α = 105.107(4)° β = 96.610(5)° γ = 125.398(4)° |
Identification | |
Color | Velvet-black |
Crystal habit | Poorly developed prismatic crystals, occurring as irregular clusters; pseudomonoclinic |
Twinning | Complex by rotation perpendicular to (011) or about [010] of the pseudomonoclinic cell; polysynthetic |
Cleavage | Good on {010} and {100} |
Fracture | Uneven |
Tenacity | Brittle |
Mohs scale hardness | 5.5 |
Luster | Vitreous to greasy |
Streak | Reddish brown |
Diaphaneity | Translucent to opaque |
Specific gravity | 3.81 |
Optical properties | Biaxial (+) |
Refractive index | nα = 1.780 - 1.800 nβ = 1.800 - 1.820 nγ = 1.870 - 1.900 |
Birefringence | δ = 0.090 - 0.100 |
Pleochroism | X = yellow brown; Y = red-brown; Z = dark brown to black |
2V angle | Measured: 27° to 55° |
Dispersion | r < v; very strong |