Aqualite


Aqualite is a very rare mineral of the eudialyte group, with formula 85Ca6Zr3SiSi9Cl. The formula given does not show the presence of cyclic silicate groups. The original formula was extended to show the presence of silicon at both M3 and M4 sites, according to the nomenclature of the eudialyte group. Aqualite is unique among the eudialyte group in being hydronium-rich. Among the other representatives of the group it also distinguish in splitting of the M1 site into two sub-sites, both occupied by calcium. Thus, its symmetry is lowered from typical for most eudialytes R3m to R3. The name refers to high content of water in the mineral.

Occurrence and association

Aqualite was discovered among peralkaline pegmatites of the Inagli massif, Sakha-Yakutia, Russia. Associated minerals are aegirine, batisite, eckermanite, innelite, lorezenite, natrolite, microcline, thorite, and galena.

Origin

Aqualite is thought to be formed by ion exchange transformation of a precursor mineral.