Tinaksite
1 in the gallery
Tinaksite is a complex potassium-sodium-calcium titanium silicate that forms as vitreous to resinous crystals and granular masses. The mineral typically displays an orange to brown color, with a glassy to subadamantine luster and a habit that can include prismatic crystals or uneven, compact aggregates. Its structure involves silicate frameworks that host titanium in octahedral coordination, contributing to its distinctive coloration and reflective surfaces. Notable specimens have been reported from Russia, where secondary and pegmatitic environments can yield pockets of colorful, well-formed crystals.
- Formula
- K2Na(Ca,Mn2+)2TiO[Si7O18(OH)]
- Rarity
- Rare
- Stability
- Stable
- Collector interest
- Very High Interest
- Classification notes
- Complex silicate-oxide; Ti-bearing potassium calcium sodium silicate with a Si7O18 framework
Key characteristics
- Crystal system
- triclinic
- Mohs hardness
- 5–6
- Specific gravity
- 2.8–2.9
- Luster
- vitreous
- Transparency
- transparent, translucent
- Color
- yellow, orange, brown, pink
- Streak
- white
- Cleavage
- perfect
- Fracture
- uneven
- Crystal habit
- prismatic, acicular, fibrous, radiating, massive
Where Tinaksite is found
Top localities
About Tinaksite
Collectors value Tinaksite for its rich amber to cinnamon tones, its rarity in well-formed crystals, and the intrigue of its multi-cation chemistry. Specimens are sought after when they exhibit clean faces, sharp terminations, and a pleasing contrast against hosts such as matrix or dark inclusions. While not as common as more mainstream silicates, Tinaksite occupies a niche appeal for mineral enthusiasts who appreciate complex compositions and the challenge of locating localized pockets where it forms.