Description
The mineral bustamite is a manganese-calcium silicate with the chemical formula (Mn2+,Ca)3Si3O9. It belongs to the inosilicate family. Translucent to translucent (light) pink to brownish-red, bustamite has a vitreous luster, a white streak color, and perfect cleavage according to the crystal plane [100] and good cleavage according to [110]. The average density is 3.37 and the hardness is 5.5 to 6.5. The crystal system is triclinic, and the mineral is not radioactive. The mineral is named after the Mexican general Anastasio Bustamente (1780–1853). Bustamite is a mineral found primarily in manganese ores formed by metamorphic processes that transformed manganese-bearing sediments. The type locality is Tetela de Ocampo, Hidalgo, Mexico.
