MARSTURITE



Marsturite is a sodium calcium manganese silicate of the pyroxenoid group and is related to nambulite. There is little substitution of Fe and Mg for Mn.
Marsturite was first described by Peacor et al. (1978) from Franklin. Another habit, previously referred to as bustamite by Larsen and Shannon (1922b), was found to be marsturite epitactic on rhodonite by Dunn and Leavens (1986). Marsturite has not been reported from Sterling Hill.
Marsturite crystals are bladed in habit and elongate on. Forms present are (dominant pinacoid), (the subordinate pinacoid), and an impefectly defined pinacoid. Crystal faces are frosty, giving a subtranslucent appearance. Marsturite is colorless to light pink, with vitreous luster, imperfect cleavages on, and a density of 3.46 g/cm3. There is no discernible fluorescence in ultraviolet.
Marsturite occurs at Franklin as small 0.5 mm elongate pinacoidal crystals, associated with rhodonite, manganaxinite, and willemite. Dunn and Leavens (1986) reported a second habit, also from Franklin, of marsturite occuring as rims on rhodonite crystals, associated with manganaxinite, willemite, and ganophyllite. These colorless to light-pink serrated rims on rhodonite crystals are composed of crystals, and forms can be discerned. These samples were probably preserved because of the attractiveness of the bright yellow manganaxinite, pink rhodonite, and the rare ganophyllite of uncommon habit. (Dunn, 1995)

 Location Found: Franklin (Type Locality)
     
 
 Year Discovered: 1978
     
 Formula: NaCaMn3Si5O14(OH)
 Essential Elements: Calcium, Hydrogen, Manganese, Oxygen, Silicon, Sodium
 All Elements in Formula: Calcium, Hydrogen, Manganese, Oxygen, Silicon, Sodium
     
 IMA Status: Approved
     
     
 To find out more about this mineral at minDat's website, follow this link   Marsturite

     
 References:
Dunn, Pete J. (1995). Franklin and Sterling Hill New Jersey: the world's most magnificent mineral deposits. Franklin, NJ.: The Franklin-Ogdensburg Mineralogical Society. p.440
The Picking Table References
 PT Issue and PageDescription / Comment
View IssueV. 29, No. 2 - Fall 1988, pg. 3Notes from the Laboratory & Changes to the List of Species From Franklin and Sterling Hill, Pete J. Dunn, John L. Baum, Changes to the Unique List, Marsturite
View IssueV. 27 No. 2 - Fall 1986, pg. 16Marsturite epitaxial on rhodonite from Franklin, New Jersey
View IssueV. 20, No. 1 - March 1979, pg. 4New Minerals - Marsturite
     
Images
     
Marsturite, rhodonite crystals, axinite-(Mn) crystals from Franklin, NJ.
Marsturite (tan epitaxial growth around red rhodonite crystals), on a matrix of axinite-(Mn) crystals (honey yellow) from Franklin, NJ. Field of view 1 1/2". From the collection of, and photo by Robert A. Boymistruk.






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