BAFERTISITE Meaning and
Definition
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Bafertisite is a rare mineral belonging to the silicate group and is characterized by its complex chemical composition. It is typically found in igneous rocks and is most commonly associated with alkaline and carbonatite complexes. The mineral was first discovered in rocks from the Bafèrèti carbonatite deposit in Toliara Province, Madagascar, from where it derived its name.
In terms of its physical properties, bafertisite appears as small prismatic crystals or as radial aggregates. It is typically opaque and displays colors ranging from dark brown to black, occasionally exhibiting a submetallic or resinous luster. The mineral has a brittle tenacity and a hardness of 5-6 on the Mohs scale. Its density typically falls within the range of 3.3 to 3.4 g/cm³.
Bafertisite has a complex crystal structure and belongs to the monoclinic system, with space group P2/n. It is composed of various elements including calcium, sodium, potassium, aluminum, iron, titanium, silicon, oxygen, and hydroxyl ions. Due to its complex composition, bafertisite is classified as a sorosilicate mineral.
While bafertisite is not widely known outside of the field of mineralogy, its unique chemical composition and occurrence in rare geological settings make it of interest to researchers and collectors of rare minerals.
Etymology of BAFERTISITE
The word "bafertisite" is derived from the name of its discoverer and the mineral it represents. It was named after the French mineralogist and crystallographer, Alfred Lacroix, who described the mineral for the first time in 1902. The suffix "-ite" is commonly used in mineral naming to indicate that it is a mineral.
