Bustamite

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Bustamite
CaMn²⁺Si₂O₆ triclinic



A pyroxenoid, related to rhodonite and ferrobustamite. A relatively uncommon mineral found in some metamorphosed manganese deposits, usually massive, and an occaisional lapidary material. The best specimens have arguably come from either the Broken Hill or Franklin mines, but few come out from either area these days.


Australia
New South Wales, Yancowinna Co., Broken Hill



Bustamite has been found in several mines in the Broken Hill district, most notably the North mine, but also the ZC and NBHC mines (see below). It is not always easy to confirm the precise provenance however. Specimens were locally abundant and in good large crystals. Most specimens came out in the 1960's and 70's; they are now becoming rare. Most occured as somewhat rounded, pink to brown prismatic crystals in calcite with hedenbergite, galena and sphalerite. Some was quite fibrous, and pale pink to white in colour, in late stage vughs.


Australia
New South Wales, Yancowinna Co., Broken Hill, North Mine (North Broken Hill Mine; NBH Mine)

Bustamite ~6cm wide	©

Australia
New South Wales, Yancowinna Co., Broken Hill, Zinc Corporation Mine (ZC Mine; NBHC Mine)

Bustamite 10cm wide	©

Japan
Honshu Island, Kanto Region, Tochigi Prefecture, Kanuma




South Africa
Northern Cape Province, Kalahari manganese fields, Hotazel, Wessels Mine (Wessel's Mine)



Bustamite is fairly uncommon for the Kalahari district, but some massive pink material was suitable for lapidary purposes.


United Kingdom
England, Devon, Okehampton area (Northern Dartmoor), Meldon Quarry (British Rail Quarry; British Railways Quarry; B. R. Quarry)




USA
New Jersey, Sussex Co., Franklin Mining District, Franklin, Franklin Mine

Bustamite crystal 8cm tall	© Martins da Pedra

This is the type locality, and produced some of the best specimens (arguably equal to those from Broken Hill).



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Regards,
Ralph



Edited 6 time(s). Last edit at 08/06/2010 01:51PM by Rock Currier.