Tsilaisite
A valid IMA mineral species
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About Tsilaisite
Formula:
NaMn2+3Al6(Si6O18)(BO3)3(OH)3(OH)
Colour:
Greenish yellow
Lustre:
Vitreous
Hardness:
7
Specific Gravity:
3.133 (Calculated)
Crystal System:
Trigonal
Member of:
Name:
Named after the originally reported locality, Tsilaizina (Madagascar).
Originally described as tsilaisite, but then recognised as only a manganese-rich variety of elbaite, and therefore discredited in 2006. In 2011, a Mn-dominant material from Elba, Italy, was redefined and finally approved as tsilaisite.
The OH analogue of fluor-tsilaisite.
Originally reported from Tsilaizina (Tsilaisina), Sahatany Valley, Vakinankaratra Region, Antananarivo Province, Madagascar.
The OH analogue of fluor-tsilaisite.
Originally reported from Tsilaizina (Tsilaisina), Sahatany Valley, Vakinankaratra Region, Antananarivo Province, Madagascar.
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
8016
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:8016:9
IMA Classification of Tsilaisite
Approved
IMA status notes:
Renamed by the IMA
IMA Formula:
NaMn2+3Al6(Si6O18)(BO3)3(OH)3OH
Approval year:
2011
Approval history:
Renamed by IMA: 2011
Classification of Tsilaisite
9.CK.05
9 : SILICATES (Germanates)
C : Cyclosilicates
K : [Si6O18]12- 6-membered single rings, with insular complex anions
9 : SILICATES (Germanates)
C : Cyclosilicates
K : [Si6O18]12- 6-membered single rings, with insular complex anions
Mineral Symbols
As of 2021 there are now IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols (abbreviations) for each mineral species, useful for tables and diagrams.
| Symbol | Source | Reference for Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Tsl | IMA–CNMNC | Warr, L.N. (2021). IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols. Mineralogical Magazine, 85(3), 291-320. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43 |
Physical Properties of Tsilaisite
Vitreous
Colour:
Greenish yellow
Streak:
White
Hardness:
7 on Mohs scale
Hardness Data:
Estimated
Tenacity:
Brittle
Fracture:
Sub-Conchoidal
Density:
3.133 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Tsilaisite
Type:
Uniaxial (-)
RI values:
nω = 1.645(5) nε = 1.625(5)
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.020
Based on recorded range of RI values above.
Based on recorded range of RI values above.
Interference Colours:
The colours simulate birefringence patterns seen in thin section under crossed polars. They do not take into account mineral colouration or opacity.
Michel-Levy Bar The default colours simulate the birefringence range for a 30 µm thin-section thickness. Adjust the slider to simulate a different thickness.
Grain Simulation You can rotate the grain simulation to show how this range might look as you rotated a sample under crossed polars.
The colours simulate birefringence patterns seen in thin section under crossed polars. They do not take into account mineral colouration or opacity.
Michel-Levy Bar The default colours simulate the birefringence range for a 30 µm thin-section thickness. Adjust the slider to simulate a different thickness.
Grain Simulation You can rotate the grain simulation to show how this range might look as you rotated a sample under crossed polars.
Surface Relief:
Moderate
Pleochroism:
Visible
Comments:
Pleochroic in plane-polarized light, O = pale greenish yellow, E = very pale greenish yellow
Chemistry of Tsilaisite
Mindat Formula:
NaMn2+3Al6(Si6O18)(BO3)3(OH)3(OH)
Element Weights:
Crystallography of Tsilaisite
Crystal System:
Trigonal
Class (H-M):
3m - Ditrigonal Pyramidal
Space Group:
R3m
Cell Parameters:
a = 15.9461(5) Å, c = 7.1380(3) Å
Ratio:
a:c = 1 : 0.448
Unit Cell V:
1571.9 ų
Z:
3
Crystal Structure
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Data courtesy of the American Mineralogist Crystal Structure Database. Click on an AMCSD ID to view structure
| ID | Species | Reference | Link | Year | Locality | Pressure (GPa) | Temp (K) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0018866 | Tsilaisite | Bosi F, Skogby H, Agrosi G, Scandale E (2012) Tsilaisite, NaMn3Al6(Si6O18)(BO3)3(OH)3OH, a new mineral species of the tourmaline supergroup from Grotta d'Oggi, San Pietro in Campo, island of Elba, Italy American Mineralogist 97 989-994 | 2012 | Grotta d'Oggi, San Pietro in Campo, island of Elba, Italy | 0 | 293 | |
| 0018865 | Tsilaisite | Bosi F, Skogby H, Agrosi G, Scandale E (2012) Tsilaisite, NaMn3Al6(Si6O18)(BO3)3(OH)3OH, a new mineral species of the tourmaline supergroup from Grotta d'Oggi, San Pietro in Campo, island of Elba, Italy American Mineralogist 97 989-994 | 2012 | Grotta d'Oggi, San Pietro in Campo, island of Elba, Italy | 0 | 293 |
CIF Raw Data - click here to close
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 6.329 Å | (22) |
| 4.205 Å | (41) |
| 3.974 Å | (100) |
| 3.452 Å | (71) |
| 2.942 Å | (94) |
| 2.570 Å | (79) |
| 2.377 Å | (21) |
| 2.034 Å | (49) |
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| Near-surface Processes | |
| 23 : Subaerial aqueous alteration by non-redox-sensitive fluids (see also #47) | |
| Stage 4b: Highly evolved igneous rocks | >3.0 |
| 34 : Complex granite pegmatites |
Type Occurrence of Tsilaisite
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
Museo di Scienze della Terra, settore Mineralogico Pertografico ‘‘Carlo Lorenzo Garavelli’’, Campus Universitario, Bari, Italy,catalogue number 12/nm
Geological Setting of Type Material:
An aplitic dike of a LCT-type pegmatite body
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
Synonyms of Tsilaisite
Other Language Names for Tsilaisite
Relationship of Tsilaisite to other Species
Member of:
Other Members of Tourmaline:
| Adachiite | CaFe3Al6(Si5AlO18)(BO3)3(OH)3(OH) | Trig. 3m : R3m |
| Alumino-oxy-rossmanite | ◻Al3Al6(Si5AlO18)(BO3)3(OH)3O | Trig. 3m : R3m |
| Bosiite | NaFe3+3(Al4Mg2)(Si6O18)(BO3)3(OH)3O | Trig. 3m : R3m |
| Celleriite | ◻(Mn2+2Al)Al6(Si6O18)(BO3)3(OH)3(OH) | Trig. 3m : R3m |
| Chromium-dravite | NaMg3Cr3+6(Si6O18)(BO3)3(OH)3(OH) | Trig. 3m : R3m |
| Chromo-alumino-povondraite | NaCr3(Al4Mg2)(Si6O18)(BO3)3(OH)3O | Trig. 3m : R3m |
| Darrellhenryite | Na(Al2Li)Al6(Si6O18)(BO3)3(OH)3O | Trig. 3m : R3m |
| Dravite | NaMg3Al6(Si6O18)(BO3)3(OH)3(OH) | Trig. 3m : R3m |
| Dutrowite | Na(Fe2+2.5Ti0.5)Al6(Si6O18)(BO3)3(OH)3O | Trig. 3m : R3m |
| Elbaite | Na(Li1.5Al1.5)Al6(Si6O18)(BO3)3(OH)3(OH) | Trig. 3m : R3m |
| Ertlite | NaAl3Al6(Si4B2O18)(BO3)3(OH)3O | Trig. 3m : R3m |
| Ferro-bosiite | NaFe3+3(Al4Fe2+2)(Si6O18)(BO3)3(OH)3O | Trig. 3m : R3m |
| Feruvite | CaFe2+3(Al5Mg)(Si6O18)(BO3)3(OH)3(OH) | Trig. 3m : R3m |
| Fluor-buergerite | NaFe3+3Al6(Si6O18)(BO3)3O3F | Trig. 3m : R3m |
| Fluor-dravite | NaMg3Al6(Si6O18)(BO3)3(OH)3F | Trig. 3m : R3m |
| Fluor-elbaite | Na(Li1.5Al1.5)Al6(Si6O18)(BO3)3(OH)3F | Trig. 3m : R3m |
| Fluor-liddicoatite | Ca(Li2Al)Al6(Si6O18)(BO3)3(OH)3F | Trig. 3m : R3m |
| Fluor-rossmanite | ◻(Al2Li)Al6(Si6O18)(BO3)3(OH)3F | Trig. 3m(32/m) : R3m |
| Fluor-schorl | NaFe2+3Al6(Si6O18)(BO3)3(OH)3F | Trig. 3m : R3m |
| Fluor-tsilaisite | NaMn2+3Al6(Si6O18)(BO3)3(OH)3F | Trig. 3m : R3m |
| Fluor-uvite | CaMg3(Al5Mg)(Si6O18)(BO3)3(OH)3F | Trig. 3m : R3m |
| Foitite | ◻(Fe2+2Al)Al6(Si6O18)(BO3)3(OH)3(OH) | Trig. 3m : R3m |
| Liddicoatite | Ca(Li2Al)Al6(Si6O18)(BO3)3(OH)3(OH) | Trig. 3m : R3m |
| Lucchesiite | CaFe2+3 Al6(Si6O18)(BO3)3(OH)3O | Trig. 3m : R3m |
| Magnesio-dutrowite | Na(Mg2.5Ti0.5)Al6(Si6O18)(BO3)3(OH)3O | Trig. 3m : R3m |
| Magnesio-foitite | ◻(Mg2Al)Al6(Si6O18)(BO3)3(OH)3(OH) | Trig. 3m : R3m |
| Magnesio-lucchesiite | CaMg3Al6(Si6O18)(BO3)3(OH)3O | Trig. 3m : R3m |
| Maruyamaite | K(Al2Mg)(Al5Mg)(Si6O18)(BO3)3(OH)3O | Trig. 3m : R3m |
| Olenite | NaAl3Al6(Si6O18)(BO3)3O3(OH) | Trig. 3m : R3m |
| Oxy-chromium-dravite | NaCr3(Cr4Mg2)(Si6O18)(BO3)3(OH)3O | Trig. 3m : R3m |
| Oxy-dravite | Na(Al2Mg)(Al5Mg)(Si6O18)(BO3)3(OH)3O | Trig. 3m : R3m |
| Oxy-foitite | ◻(Fe2+Al2)Al6(Si6O18)(BO3)3(OH)3O | Trig. 3m(32/m) : R3m |
| Oxy-schorl | Na(Fe2+2Al)Al6(Si6O18)(BO3)3(OH)3O | Trig. 3m : R3m |
| Oxy-vanadium-dravite | NaV3(V4Mg2)(Si6O18)(BO3)3(OH)3O | Trig. 3m : R3m |
| Povondraite | NaFe3+3(Mg2Fe3+4)(Si6O18)(BO3)3(OH)3O | Trig. 3m : R3m |
| Princivalleite | Na(Mn2Al)Al6(Si6O18)(BO3)3(OH)3O | Trig. 3m : R3m |
| Rossmanite | ◻(LiAl2)Al6(Si6O18)(BO3)3(OH)3(OH) | Trig. 3m : R3m |
| Schorl | NaFe2+3Al6(Si6O18)(BO3)3(OH)3(OH) | Trig. 3m : R3m |
| 'UM2000-64-SiO:BFeHKMg' | (K,Na)Fe3+3(Mg2Fe3+4)Si6O18(BO3)3(OH)3O | |
| 'UM2008-52-SiO:AlBCaFFeHLiMgNa' | (Ca,Na,◻)(Al,Li,Fe,Mg)3Al6[Si6O18](BO3)3(OH,O)3(F,O) | |
| 'Unnamed (F analogue of feruvite)' | CaFe2+3(Al5Mg)(Si6O18)(BO3)3(OH)3F | |
| 'Unnamed (Mn2+-F-analogue of foitite)' | ◻(Mn2+2Al)Al6(Si6O18)(BO3)3(OH)3F ? | |
| 'Unnamed (Pb-analogue of Fluor-liddicoatite)' | Pb(Li2Al)Al6(Si6O18)(BO3)3(OH)3F | |
| Uvite | CaMg3(Al5Mg)(Si6O18)(BO3)3(OH)3(OH) | Trig. 3m : R3m |
| Vanadio-oxy-chromium-dravite | NaV3(Cr4Mg2)(Si6O18)(BO3)3(OH)3O | Trig. 3m : R3m |
| Vanadio-oxy-dravite | NaV3(Al4Mg2)(Si6O18)(BO3)3(OH)3O | Trig. 3m : R3m |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 9.CK. | Adachiite | CaFe3Al6(Si5AlO18)(BO3)3(OH)3(OH) |
| 9.CK. | Magnesio-dutrowite | Na(Mg2.5Ti0.5)Al6(Si6O18)(BO3)3(OH)3O |
| 9.CK. | Darrellhenryite | Na(Al2Li)Al6(Si6O18)(BO3)3(OH)3O |
| 9.CK. | Fluor-schorl | NaFe2+3Al6(Si6O18)(BO3)3(OH)3F |
| 9.CK. | Princivalleite | Na(Mn2Al)Al6(Si6O18)(BO3)3(OH)3O |
| 9.CK. | Alumino-oxy-rossmanite | ◻Al3Al6(Si5AlO18)(BO3)3(OH)3O |
| 9.CK. | Dutrowite | Na(Fe2+2.5Ti0.5)Al6(Si6O18)(BO3)3(OH)3O |
| 9.CK. | Ferro-bosiite | NaFe3+3(Al4Fe2+2)(Si6O18)(BO3)3(OH)3O |
| 9.CK. | Bosiite | NaFe3+3(Al4Mg2)(Si6O18)(BO3)3(OH)3O |
| 9.CK. | Celleriite | ◻(Mn2+2Al)Al6(Si6O18)(BO3)3(OH)3(OH) |
| 9.CK.05 | Feruvite | CaFe2+3(Al5Mg)(Si6O18)(BO3)3(OH)3(OH) |
| 9.CK.05 | Chromium-dravite | NaMg3Cr3+6(Si6O18)(BO3)3(OH)3(OH) |
| 9.CK.05 | Fluor-rossmanite | ◻(Al2Li)Al6(Si6O18)(BO3)3(OH)3F |
| 9.CK.05 | Oxy-schorl | Na(Fe2+2Al)Al6(Si6O18)(BO3)3(OH)3O |
| 9.CK.05 | Fluor-elbaite | Na(Li1.5Al1.5)Al6(Si6O18)(BO3)3(OH)3F |
| 9.CK.05 | Dravite | NaMg3Al6(Si6O18)(BO3)3(OH)3(OH) |
| 9.CK.05 | Fluor-uvite | CaMg3(Al5Mg)(Si6O18)(BO3)3(OH)3F |
| 9.CK.05 | Foitite | ◻(Fe2+2Al)Al6(Si6O18)(BO3)3(OH)3(OH) |
| 9.CK.05 | Vanadio-oxy-dravite | NaV3(Al4Mg2)(Si6O18)(BO3)3(OH)3O |
| 9.CK.05 | Fluor-buergerite | NaFe3+3Al6(Si6O18)(BO3)3O3F |
| 9.CK.05 | 'Unnamed (F analogue of feruvite)' | CaFe2+3(Al5Mg)(Si6O18)(BO3)3(OH)3F |
| 9.CK.05 | Ertlite | NaAl3Al6(Si4B2O18)(BO3)3(OH)3O |
| 9.CK.05 | Fluor-liddicoatite | Ca(Li2Al)Al6(Si6O18)(BO3)3(OH)3F |
| 9.CK.05 | Uvite | CaMg3(Al5Mg)(Si6O18)(BO3)3(OH)3(OH) |
| 9.CK.05 | Elbaite | Na(Li1.5Al1.5)Al6(Si6O18)(BO3)3(OH)3(OH) |
| 9.CK.05 | Fluor-tsilaisite | NaMn2+3Al6(Si6O18)(BO3)3(OH)3F |
| 9.CK.05 | Oxy-foitite | ◻(Fe2+Al2)Al6(Si6O18)(BO3)3(OH)3O |
| 9.CK.05 | Liddicoatite | Ca(Li2Al)Al6(Si6O18)(BO3)3(OH)3(OH) |
| 9.CK.05 | Vanadio-oxy-chromium-dravite | NaV3(Cr4Mg2)(Si6O18)(BO3)3(OH)3O |
| 9.CK.05 | Rossmanite | ◻(LiAl2)Al6(Si6O18)(BO3)3(OH)3(OH) |
| 9.CK.05 | Oxy-vanadium-dravite | NaV3(V4Mg2)(Si6O18)(BO3)3(OH)3O |
| 9.CK.05 | Olenite | NaAl3Al6(Si6O18)(BO3)3O3(OH) |
| 9.CK.05 | 'UM2000-64-SiO:BFeHKMg' | (K,Na)Fe3+3(Mg2Fe3+4)Si6O18(BO3)3(OH)3O |
| 9.CK.05 | Magnesio-lucchesiite | CaMg3Al6(Si6O18)(BO3)3(OH)3O |
| 9.CK.05 | Povondraite | NaFe3+3(Mg2Fe3+4)(Si6O18)(BO3)3(OH)3O |
| 9.CK.05 | Lucchesiite | CaFe2+3 Al6(Si6O18)(BO3)3(OH)3O |
| 9.CK.05 | Chromo-alumino-povondraite | NaCr3(Al4Mg2)(Si6O18)(BO3)3(OH)3O |
| 9.CK.05 | Fluor-dravite | NaMg3Al6(Si6O18)(BO3)3(OH)3F |
| 9.CK.05 | Oxy-dravite | Na(Al2Mg)(Al5Mg)(Si6O18)(BO3)3(OH)3O |
| 9.CK.05 | Oxy-chromium-dravite | NaCr3(Cr4Mg2)(Si6O18)(BO3)3(OH)3O |
| 9.CK.05 | 'Luinaite-(OH)' | NaFe2+3Al6(Si6O18)(BO3)3(OH)3(OH) |
| 9.CK.05 | Schorl | NaFe2+3Al6(Si6O18)(BO3)3(OH)3(OH) |
| 9.CK.05 | Magnesio-foitite | ◻(Mg2Al)Al6(Si6O18)(BO3)3(OH)3(OH) |
| 9.CK.05 | Maruyamaite | K(Al2Mg)(Al5Mg)(Si6O18)(BO3)3(OH)3O |
| 9.CK.10 | Abenakiite-(Ce) | Na26Ce6(Si6O18)(PO4)6(CO3)6(SO2)O |
| 9.CK.15 | Scawtite | Ca7(Si3O9)2CO3 · 2H2O |
| 9.CK.20 | Thorosteenstrupine | (Ca,Th,Mn)3Si4O11F · 6H2O |
| 9.CK.20 | Steenstrupine-(Ce) | Na14Mn2+2Fe3+2Ce6Zr(Si6O18)2(PO4)6(PO3OH)(OH)2 · 2H2O |
Fluorescence of Tsilaisite
Shows no fluorescence
Other Information
Health Risks:
No information on health risks for this material has been entered into the database. You should always treat mineral specimens with care.
Internet Links for Tsilaisite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-8016.html
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References for Tsilaisite
Reference List:
Dunn, Pete J., Fleischer, Michael, Langley, Richard H., Shigley, James E., Zilczer, Janet A. (1985) New mineral names. American Mineralogist, 70 (7-8) 871-881
Strunz, Hugo, Nickel, Ernest H. (2001) Strunz Mineralogical Tables (9th ed.) Schweizerbart.pp.611-612
Burke, Ernst A. J. (2006) A mass discreditation of GQN minerals. The Canadian Mineralogist, 44 (6). p.1557-1560. doi:10.2113/gscanmin.44.6.1557
Williams, P. A., Hatert, F., Pasero, M., Mills, S. J. (2011) New minerals and nomenclature modifications approved in 2011, CNMNC Newsletter No. 10. Mineralogical Magazine, 75 (5) 2549-2561 doi:10.1180/minmag.2011.075.5.2549
Localities for Tsilaisite
Showing 7 localities.
Locality List
- This locality has map coordinates listed.
- This locality has estimated coordinates.
ⓘ - Click for references and further information on this occurrence.
? - Indicates mineral may be doubtful at this locality.
- Good crystals or important locality for species.
- World class for species or very significant.
(TL) - Type Locality for a valid mineral species.
(FRL) - First Recorded Locality for everything else (eg varieties).
All localities listed without proper references should be considered as questionable.
Canada | |
| Malay et al. (2026) |
Czech Republic | |
| Vácha et al. (2025) |
| Scarlett Urbanová (2021) |
Italy (TL) | |
| Williams et al. (2011) +1 other reference |
Japan | |
| Yohei Shirose (2018) |
Russia | |
| Lees et al. (2019) |
| AmMin 88:1369-1376 (2003) |
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The
Grotta d'Oggi, San Piero in Campo, Campo nell'Elba, Livorno Province, Tuscany, Italy