Eakerite - Encyclopedia
Class : Silicates
Subclass : Cyclosilicates
Crystal system : Monoclinic
Chemistry : Ca2SnAl2Si6O18(OH)2 2H2O
Rarity : Very rare
Eakerite is a very rare tin silicate known in two localities in the world : a spodumene pegmatite and inclusions in the andratites of a skarn. It was named in honor of Jack Eaker, a mineral collector who discovered the mineral at Kings Mountain, North Carolina. Eakerite forms small white prismatic crystals of 5 mm sometimes on bavenite needles.
Main photo : Eakerite of Foote Lithium Co. Mine, Kings Mountain, Cleveland County, North Carolina, USA © Jason B. Smith
Eakerite in the World
Twinning
Potential cross- and V-shaped interpenetration twins are known at Foote (see photos).
Fakes and treatments
No fake listed for this mineral species.
Hardness : 5.5
Density : 2.93
Fracture : Conchoidal
Streak : White
TP : Translucent to transparent
RI : 1.584 to 1.600
Birefringence : 0.016
Optical character : Biaxial +
Pleochroism : None
Fluorescence : None
Solubility : -
Magnetism : None
Radioactivity : None