Schizolite

Schizolite
Schizolite specimen
General
Category	Mineral
Formula (repeating unit)	NaCaMnSi3O8(OH)
IMA symbol	Szl[1]
Crystal system	Triclinic
Crystal class	Triclinic-Pinacoidal
Space group	P1
Unit cell	359.40 ų
Identification
Color	Pale red or pink to brownish
Crystal habit	Bladed
Cleavage	{100} , {001}
Fracture	Splintery
Tenacity	Brittle
Mohs scale hardness	5.5
Luster	Vitreous, sub-Vitreous
Diaphaneity	Transparent, translucent
Density	3.17
Optical properties	Biaxial (+)
Refractive index	nα = 1.626(3) nβ = 1.630(2) nγ = 1.661(2)
Birefringence	0.035
Pleochroism	Non-pleochroic
2V angle	Measured 71° (4), calculated 40°

Schizolite is a mineral with the formula NaCaMnSi₃O₈(OH) first described in 1901 after discovery in South Greenland by Winther. Its name comes from the Greek word 'σϗιζω' (sϗizo) after its perfect cleavage. It was dropped from the valid species status in 1955 as a variety of pectolite based on Schaller's work. It's a member of the Wollastonite group.^[2]

Marshall Sussman, a mineral dealer, sold minerals that were believed to be bustamites from the Wessels mine in 2011. After the third of the stock was sold they realized the gem might be a new specimen, took it down from the market immediately, and waited for approval. It was approved by the International Mineralogical Association as a mineral in 2013, with the intended name sussmanite. However, it was decided that this name was too similar to another existing gem's name, zussmanite so the name marshallsussmanite was chosen, after the famous mineral dealer Marshall Sussman. It is believed to be a pectolite variant which contains manganese in place of calcium. The name was reverted to Schizolite in 2018.^[3]

• Pectolite