Aspedamite
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CategoryMinerals
Formula[]12(Fe3+2Fe2+)Nb4(ThNb9Fe3+2Ti4+O42)(H2O)9(OH)3
IMA symbolApd
ColorBrownish orange to deep red
| Aspedamite | |
|---|---|
| General | |
| Category | Minerals |
| Formula | []12(Fe3+2Fe2+)Nb4(ThNb9Fe3+2Ti4+O42)(H2O)9(OH)3 |
| IMA symbol | Apd |
| Identification | |
| Color | Brownish orange to deep red |
| Cleavage | None Observed |
| Luster | Adamantine |
| Streak | Very pale orange |
| Specific gravity | 4.070 |
Aspedamite is a very rare mineral, one of two natural heteropolyniobates.[1] Its chemical formula (one of the possible formulas) is complex and shows the presence of essential vacancies: []12(Fe3+2Fe2+)Nb4(ThNb9Fe3+2Ti4+O42)(H2O)9(OH)3. Its structure (isometric, space group Im3) is the same as of the second known heteropolyniobate - menezesite.[2][3] Aspedamite is somewhat similar to another mineral from Norway, peterandresenite, which is a hexaniobate.[4]
