Description
The mineral cavansite is a hydrated calcium-vanadium silicate with the chemical formula Ca(V5+O)Si4O10·4H2O. This phyllosilicate belongs to the micas. Greenish to dark blue cavansite has a vitreous luster, a blue-white streak color, and good cleavage along the crystal plane [010]. The average density is 2.25 and the hardness is 3 to 4. The crystal system is orthorhombic, and the mineral is not radioactive. The name of the mineral cavansite is derived from its composition: the elements calcium, vanadium, and silica. The mineral cavansite occurs primarily in secondary mineralizations in andesites and basalts. The type locality is near the Owyhee Dam in Malheur County, Oregon, United States. Today, the Wagholi Quarry near Pune, India, is the most important deposit.
