What is Zircophyllite?
Zircophyllite is a rare dark zirconium-bearing silicate of alkaline rocks, collected for brown-black blades and an unusual combination of iron, zirconium, fluorine and alkali elements.
Mineralogy and structure
Reference formula: K2NaFe7Zr2(Si4O12)2O2(OH)4F. Zircophyllite is triclinic with the ideal formula K2NaFe7Zr2(Si4O12)2O2(OH)4F. No matching public COD CIF was selected for this batch, so the Guide preserves the science by leaving the structure image absent rather than substituting a look-alike. Zircophyllite is classified with silicates and has triclinic crystal symmetry. Typical hardness is 4–4.5 on the Mohs scale and specific gravity is approximately 3.3–3.4.
Colour, lustre and habit
Typical colours include black-brown, brown, black. The usual bladed, tabular, granular habit and adamantine, vitreous lustre help describe a specimen, but colour alone is not diagnostic.
Formation and notable localities
Zircophyllite forms in or is associated with alkaline complexes, nepheline syenites, pegmatites and late magmatic cavities. Important documented localities include Mont Saint-Hilaire in Canada, Tuva, Russia and other alkaline complexes.
A dark alkaline-rock silicate for specialists
Zircophyllite is a strong choice for collectors who seek uncommon chemistry and locality character. Its dark blades and alkaline-rock setting carry the appeal, even without a decorative colour variety.
Collecting and care
Protect dark blades from impact and acids. Fluorine-bearing silicate dust should not be generated; keep the specimen labelled and enclosed during preparation.
