The Mineral pezzottaite

Pezzottaite is a mineral that is very similar to Beryl, but it contains lithium as well as the rare element cesium replacing some beryllium in its chemical structure. It is therefore scientifically classified as a separate mineral species from Beryl. When first found, it was though to be a variety of Beryl, but it wasn't until 2003 that the IMA regarded Pezzottaite as a unique mineral species. It is named after Italian geologist Dr. Federico Pezzotta of Milan.

Chemical Formula

Cs(Be₂Li)Al₂Si₆O₁₈

Color

Pink to raspberry-red

Crystal System

Hexagonal

Properties

Streak Colorless

Hardness 8

Transparency Transparent to translucent

Specific Gravity 2.9 - 3.0

Luster Vitreous

Cleavage 3,1 - basal

Fracture Uneven to conchoidal

Tenacity Brittle

Crystal Habits

In flattened, hexagonally-shaped crystals and in short tabular crystals. Crystals usually have a partially pyramidal termination that is flattened on top, and crystals are commonly doubly terminated.

Additional Information

Composition Cesium beryllium lithium aluminum silicate

In Group Silicates; Cyclosilicates

Striking Features Color, crystal habits, and occurrence

Environment Occurs in a granite pegmatite environment.

Rock Type Igneous

Other Names

	Raspberry Beryl
	Raspberyl

Uses

Pezzottaite is used a rare gemstone and collectors mineral. When used as a gemstone, it is sometimes called by the name "Rapberry Beryl".

Noteworthy Localities

Pezzottaite is a relatively recent mineral in terms of its discovery. The most significant locality for Pezzottaite, where this mineral was first described, is the Sakavalana Mine, Ambatovita, Fianarantsoa Province, Madagascar. Additional localities are reported to have yielded Pezzottaite since 2006, including the Deva Mine in Konar, and the Parun Pegmatite Field, both in Nuristan, Afghanistan. Another discovery of Pezzottaite from Burma made its way to the market in 2006, with specimens coming from the Paleini Mine, Khetchel Village, Momeik, in the Mogok area.

Common Mineral Associations

Albite, Quartz, Schorl, Lepidolite

Distingushing Similar Minerals

Red Beryl - Distinguished by the unique locality.
Pink Apatite - Much softer (5), distinguished by the unique locality.

pezzottaite Photos

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