Tienshanite is a rare mineral that belongs to the complex aluminum silicate group and is commonly found in rock formations. It is named after its discovery in the Tian Shan Mountains of Central Asia.
In terms of its physical properties, tienshanite typically appears as prismatic crystals and can exhibit a variety of colors, including brown, gray, white, and purple. It has a vitreous to pearly luster on its surfaces and a translucent to opaque appearance. The mineral possesses a monoclinic crystal structure and can have a variable hardness ranging from 5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale.
Chemically, tienshanite is composed of aluminum, silicon, and oxygen, with additional elements such as titanium, sodium, and some rare earth elements, depending on the specific locality of its formation. Its chemical formula can be represented as (Na•REE)(Ti,Fe3+)Si2O7(OH). Tienshanite is often associated with other minerals such as feldspar, amphibole, and quartz.
Due to its rarity and limited distribution, tienshanite is primarily sought after by mineral collectors and researchers interested in studying its unique physical and chemical characteristics. Its distinct crystal structure and composition make it valuable for scientific investigations, as it can provide insights into geological processes and the conditions under which it formed.
