Amblygonite ( /æmˈblɪɡənaɪt/) is a fluorophosphate mineral, (Li,Na)AlPO4(F,OH), composed of lithium, sodium, aluminium, phosphate, fluoride and hydroxide. The mineral occurs in pegmatite deposits and is easily mistaken for albite and other feldspars. Its density, cleavage and flame test for lithium are diagnostic. Amblygonite forms a series with montebrasite, the low fluorine endmember. Geologic occurrence is in granite pegmatites, high-temperature tin veins, and greisens. Amblygonite occurs with spodumene, apatite, lepidolite, tourmaline, and other lithium-bearing minerals in pegmatite veins. It contains about 10% lithium, and has been utilized as a source of lithium. The chief commercial sources have historically been the deposits of California and France.
Hardness:
5.5 - 6
Density:
3.03 g/cm³
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Properties
Characteristics
Common Questions
General Info About Montebrasite
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Physical Properties of Montebrasite
Colors
White, colorless, gray white, very pale brown, pale pink, pale yellow
Streak
White
Hardness
5.5 - 6 , Hard
Density
3.03 g/cm³, Normal Weight
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Chemical Properties of Montebrasite
Formula
LiAl(PO4)(OH)
Elements listed
Al, H, Li, O, P
Common Impurities
Na
Optical Properties of Montebrasite
Refractive Index
1.578-1.646
Birefringence
0.020-0.030
Optical Character
Biaxial positive
Characteristics of Montebrasite
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