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Leifite is a rare
mineral. A unique environment is required in order for the mineral to
form. Leifite occurs in rare rocks known as Agpaites, which are
rocks with high concentrations of alkali
metals, especially sodium.
Leifite is composed of
10.81% Sodium, 1.48% Beryllium, 13.32% Aluminum, 23.76% Silicon, 0.76%
Hydrogen, 43.62% Oxygen and 6.25% Fluoride, [Na6Be2Al2Si16O39(OH)2-1.5H2O].
Its hardness ranks 6 on the Moh’s Scale with a Specific Gravity
of 2.6. Leifite’s crystals are transparent with a vitreous to silky luster.
They commonly occur in various forms including fibrous, spherical aggregates,
and simple hexagonal prisms.
Leifite is commonly found associated with Aegirine, Arfvedsonite, Analcime,
Calcite, Eudialyte, Serandite and some other rare minerals. Its occurrence
has been reported at: the Kola Peninsula in Russia; Narsarsuk, Greenland
and the mines of Mont Saint-Hilaire, Quebec, Canada. Mont Saint-Hilaire
is by far the most important source of Leifite. The world's finest and
largest crystals have come from this locality since the beginning of its
quarrying operations.
The Mont Saint-Hilaire site is truly a unique mineral locality. It has
produced specimens of over three hundred different minerals with nearly
thirty that are new minerals and many more yet to be officially recognized.
Leifite is very rarely used as a gemstone. However, due to its rarity
and interesting crystal structure, it is quite popular among mineral collectors.
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