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Canasite

A valid IMA mineral species
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03605100017271921855129.jpg
Canasite

Eveslogchorr Mt, Khibiny Massif, Murmansk Oblast, Russia
01352510017271921885675.jpg
Canasite

Murunskii Massif, Chara and Tokko Rivers Confluence, Aldan Shield, Russia
04960780017271921906548.jpg
Canasite, etc.

Eveslogchorr Mt, Khibiny Massif, Murmansk Oblast, Russia
03605100017271921855129.jpg
Canasite

Eveslogchorr Mt, Khibiny Massif, Murmansk Oblast, Russia
01352510017271921885675.jpg
Canasite

Murunskii Massif, Chara and Tokko Rivers Confluence, Aldan Shield, Russia
04960780017271921906548.jpg
Canasite, etc.

Eveslogchorr Mt, Khibiny Massif, Murmansk Oblast, Russia
00183970017271921936373.jpg
Canasite

Eveslogchorr Mt, Khibiny Massif, Murmansk Oblast, Russia
01352510017271921885675.jpg
Canasite

Murunskii Massif, Chara and Tokko Rivers Confluence, Aldan Shield, Russia
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About CanasiteHide

Formula:
K3Na3Ca5Si12O30(OH)4
Previously given as K2Na4Ca5(Si12O30)(OH,F)4.
Colour:
Greenish yellow
Lustre:
Vitreous
Specific Gravity:
2.707
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Member of:
Canasite Group
Name:
Named in allusion to its composition, containing CAlcium, sodium (Latin NAtrium), and SIlicon.
This page provides mineralogical data about Canasite.


Unique IdentifiersHide

Mindat ID:
878
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:878:9

IMA Classification of CanasiteHide

Classification of CanasiteHide

Strunz-mindat (2025):
9.DG.80

9 : SILICATES (Germanates)
D : Inosilicates
G : Inosilicates with 3-periodic single and multiple chains
Dana 8th ed.:
78.5.4.1

78 : Unclassified Silicates
5 :
Hey's CIM Ref.:
17.1.13

17 : Silicates Containing other Anions
1 : Silicates with fluoride (not containing Al)

Mineral SymbolsHide

As of 2021 there are now IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols (abbreviations) for each mineral species, useful for tables and diagrams.

SymbolSourceReference
CnsIMA–CNMNCWarr, L.N. (2021). IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols. Mineralogical Magazine, 85(3), 291-320. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43

Physical Properties of CanasiteHide

Lustre:
Vitreous
Transparency:
Transparent, Translucent
Colour:
Greenish yellow
Streak:
White
Tenacity:
Brittle
Cleavage:
Perfect
One, very perfect; another, perfect, at 118° to the first.
Fracture:
Splintery
Comment:
Breaks into long acute-angled or wedge-shaped pieces.
Density:
2.707 g/cm3 (Measured)    2.65 g/cm3 (Calculated)

Optical Data of CanasiteHide

Type:
Biaxial (-)
RI values:
nα = 1.534 nβ = 1.538 nγ = 1.543
2V:
Measured: 58° , Calculated: 84°
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.009
Based on recorded range of RI values above.

Interference Colours:
The colours simulate birefringence patterns seen in thin section under crossed polars. They do not take into account mineral colouration or opacity.

Michel-Levy Bar The default colours simulate the birefringence range for a 30 µm thin-section thickness. Adjust the slider to simulate a different thickness.

Grain Simulation You can rotate the grain simulation to show how this range might look as you rotated a sample under crossed polars.

Surface Relief:
Moderate
Dispersion:
r > v weak

Chemistry of CanasiteHide

Mindat Formula:
K3Na3Ca5Si12O30(OH)4

Previously given as K2Na4Ca5(Si12O30)(OH,F)4.
Element Weights:
Element% weight
O42.776 %
Si26.502 %
Ca15.758 %
K9.224 %
Na5.423 %
H0.317 %

Calculated from ideal end-member formula.
Elements listed:
Ca, H, K, Na, O, Si - search for minerals with similar chemistry

Crystallography of CanasiteHide

Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Class (H-M):
m - Domatic
Space Group:
Bm
Setting:
Cm
Cell Parameters:
a = 18.836 Å, b = 7.244 Å, c = 12.636 Å
β = 112°
Ratio:
a:b:c = 2.6 : 1 : 1.744
Unit Cell V:
1,598.61 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
2
Twinning:
polysynthetic

X-Ray Powder DiffractionHide

Powder Diffraction Data:
d-spacingIntensity
3.080 Å(100b)
2.907 Å(80)
1.641 Å(80)
4.69 Å(70)
4.81 Å(60)
2.359 Å(60)
4.20 Å(50)

Geological EnvironmentHide

Paragenetic Mode(s):
Paragenetic ModeEarliest Age (Ga)
Stage 4b: Highly evolved igneous rocks>3.0
35 : Ultra-alkali and agpaitic igneous rocks

Type Occurrence of CanasiteHide

Type Locality:
ⓘ Material'naya Adit, Yukspor Mt, Khibiny Massif, Murmansk Oblast, Russia
General Appearance of Type Material:
As crystals, to 10 cm.
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
Geology Museum, Kola Branch, Academy of Sciences, Apatity, Russia, 801.
A.E. Fersman Mineralogical Museum, Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia, 61128029.
National Museum of Natural History, Washington, D.C., USA, 136472.
Geological Setting of Type Material:
In pegmatites in a differentiated alkalic massif.
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
EudialyteFenaksiteLamprophylliteNephelineOrthoclase
Pyroxene GroupTitanite
Reference:
Dorfman, M.D., Rogachev, D.D., Goroshchenko, Z.I., Uspenskaya, E.I. (1959) Canasite, a new mineral. Trudy Mineralogicheskogo Muzeya Akademiya Nauk SSSR, 9, 158-166.

Other Language Names for CanasiteHide

Dutch:Canasiet
German:Canasit
Spanish:Canasita

Relationship of Canasite to other SpeciesHide

Member of:
Canasite Group
Other Members of Canasite Group:
FluorcanasiteK3Na3Ca5Si12O30F4 · H2OMon. m : Bm
FrankameniteK3Na3Ca5(Si12O30)(F,OH)4 · H2OTric. 1 : P1

Common AssociatesHide

Associated Minerals Based on Photo Data:
4 photos of Canasite associated with Charoite(K,Sr)15-16(Ca,Na)32[Si6O11(O,OH)6]2[Si12O18(O,OH)12]2[Si17O25(O,OH)18]2(OH,F)4 · ~3H2O
3 photos of Canasite associated with BiotiteK(Fe2+/Mg)2(Al/Fe3+/Mg/Ti)([Si/Al/Fe]2Si2O10)(OH/F)2
3 photos of Canasite associated with MicroclineK(AlSi3O8)
3 photos of Canasite associated with AegirineNaFe3+Si2O6
3 photos of Canasite associated with TinaksiteK2Na(Ca,Mn2+)2TiO[Si7O18(OH)]
2 photos of Canasite associated with TitaniteCaTi(SiO4)O
1 photo of Canasite associated with Aegirine-augite(NaaCabFe2+cMgd)(Fe3+eAlfFe2+gMgh)Si2O6
1 photo of Canasite associated with Delhayelite(Na,K)10Ca5Al6Si32O80(Cl2,F2,SO4)3 · 18H2O

Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat GroupingHide

9.DG.Barrydawsonite-(Y)Na1.5Y0.5CaSi3O8(OH)Mon. 2/m : P21/b
9.DG.ParatobermoriteCa5AlSi5O16(OH) · 5H2OMon. 2/m
9.DG.CalcinaksiteKNaCa(Si4O10) · H2OTric. 1 : P1
9.DG.AlvesiteNaKZrSi6O15 · 2H2OOrth. mmm (2/m 2/m 2/m)
9.DG.02SteedeiteNaMn2[Si3BO9](OH)2Tric. 1 : P1
9.DG.02NolzeiteNaMn2[Si3BO9](OH)2 · 2H2OTric. 1 : P1
9.DG.05MurakamiiteLiCa2Si3O8(OH)Tric. 1 : P1
9.DG.05SeranditeNaMn2+2Si3O8(OH)Tric. 1 : P1
9.DG.05BustamiteCaMn2+(Si2O6)Tric. 1 : P1
9.DG.05PectoliteNaCa2Si3O8(OH)Tric. 1 : P1
9.DG.05TanohataiteLiMn2Si3O8(OH)Tric. 1 : P1
9.DG.05DalnegorskiteCa5Mn(Si3O9)2Tric. 1 : P1
9.DG.05Wollastonite-1ACaSiO3Tric. 1 : P1
9.DG.05WollastoniteCa3(Si3O9)Tric. 1 : P1
9.DG.05FerrobustamiteCaFe2+(Si2O6)Tric. 1
9.DG.05SchizoliteNaCaMnSi3O8(OH)Tric. 1 : P1
9.DG.07CascanditeCaScSi3O8(OH)Tric. 1
9.DG.08PlombièriteCa5Si6O16(OH)2 · 7H2OOrth.
9.DG.10ClinotobermoriteCa5Si6O17 · 5H2OMon.
9.DG.10RiversideiteCa5Si6O16(OH)2 · 2H2O Orth.
9.DG.10TobermoriteCa5Si6O17 · 5H2OMon. 2 : P21
9.DG.12JusiteNa2Ca15Al4Si16O54 · 17H2O
9.DG.12KenotobermoriteCa4Si6O15(OH)2 · 5H2OMon.
9.DG.15FoshagiteCa4(Si3O9)(OH)2Tric. 1 : P1
9.DG.20JenniteCa9(Si3O9)2(OH)8 · 8H2OTric. 1 : P1
9.DG.20KameneviteK2TiSi3O9 · H2OOrth. 2 2 2 : P21 21 21
9.DG.25ParaumbiteK3Zr2H(Si3O9)2 · nH2OOrth. mm2
9.DG.25UmbiteK2(Zr,Ti)Si3O9 · H2OOrth. 2 2 2 : P21 21 21
9.DG.30SørenseniteNa4SnBe2Si6O16(OH)4Mon. 2/m : B2/b
9.DG.32Escheite Ca2NaMnTi5[Si12O34]O2(OH)3 · 12H2OOrth. mm2 : Ama2
9.DG.35XonotliteCa6(Si6O17)(OH)2Mon. 2/m : B2/m
9.DG.40HillebranditeCa2(SiO3)(OH)2Orth. mmm (2/m 2/m 2/m) : Cmcm
9.DG.45ZoriteNa8(Ti,Nb)5(Si6O17)2(OH,O)5 · 14H2OOrth.
9.DG.45ChivruaiiteCa4(Ti,Nb)5(Si6O17)2(OH,O)5 · 13-14H2OOrth. mmm (2/m 2/m 2/m) : Cmmm
9.DG.50Haineaultite(Na,Ca)5Ca(Ti,Nb)5(Si6O17)2(OH,F)8 · 5H2OOrth. 2 2 2 : C2 2 2
9.DG.55EpididymiteNa2Be2Si6O15 · H2OOrth. mmm (2/m 2/m 2/m) : Pnma
9.DG.60EudidymiteNa2Be2Si6O15 · H2OMon. 2/m : B2/b
9.DG.65ElpiditeNa2ZrSi6O15 · 3H2OOrth.
9.DG.65PatyniteNaKCa4[Si9O23]Tric. 1 : P1
9.DG.67WhelaniteCu2+2Ca6[Si6O17(OH)](CO3)(OH)3 · 2H2OOrth. mm2 : Pnn2
9.DG.70EnricofrancoiteKNaCaSi4O10Tric. 1 : P1
9.DG.70YusupoviteNa2Zr(Si6O15) · 2.5H2OMon. 2/m : B2/m
9.DG.70LitidioniteKNaCuSi4O10Tric. 1 : P1
9.DG.70Fenaksite(K,Na)4(Fe,Mn)2(Si4O10)2(OH,F)Tric. 1 : P1
9.DG.70ManaksiteKNaMnSi4O10Tric. 1 : P1
9.DG.75SenkevichiteCsKNaCa2TiO[Si7O18](OH)Tric. 1 : P1
9.DG.75TinaksiteK2Na(Ca,Mn2+)2TiO[Si7O18(OH)]Tric.
9.DG.75TokkoiteK2Ca4[Si7O18(OH)](OH,F)Tric.
9.DG.80FluorcanasiteK3Na3Ca5Si12O30F4 · H2OMon. m : Bm
9.DG.85MiseriteK1.5-x(Ca,Y,REE)5(Si6O15)(Si2O7)(OH,F)2 · yH2OTric.
9.DG.90FrankameniteK3Na3Ca5(Si12O30)(F,OH)4 · H2OTric. 1 : P1
9.DG.92Charoite(K,Sr)15-16(Ca,Na)32[Si6O11(O,OH)6]2[Si12O18(O,OH)12]2[Si17O25(O,OH)18]2(OH,F)4 · ~3H2OMon. 2/m : P21/m
9.DG.95YuksporiteK4(Ca,Na)14(Sr,Ba)2(◻,Mn,Fe)(Ti,Nb)4(O,OH)4(Si6O17)2(Si2O7)3(H2O,OH)3Mon. 2/m : P21/m
9.DG.97Eveslogite(Na,K,Ca,Sr,Ba)48 [(Ti,Nb,Mn,Fe2+)12Si48O144(OH)12](F,OH,Cl)14Mon. 2/m : P2/m

RadioactivityHide

Radioactivity:
Element % Content Activity (Bq/kg) Radiation Type
Uranium (U) 0.0000% 0 α, β, γ
Thorium (Th) 0.0000% 0 α, β, γ
Potassium (K) 9.2235% 2,859 β, γ

For comparison:

  • Banana: ~15 Bq per fruit
  • Granite: 1,000–3,000 Bq/kg
  • EU exemption limit: 10,000 Bq/kg

Note: Risk is shown relative to daily recommended maximum exposure to non-background radiation of 1000 µSv/year. Note that natural background radiation averages around 2400 µSv/year so in reality these risks are probably extremely overstated! With infrequent handling and safe storage natural radioactive minerals do not usually pose much risk.

Interactive Simulator:

Note: The mass selector refers to the mass of radioactive mineral present, not the full specimen, also be aware that the matrix may also be radioactive, possibly more radioactive than this mineral!

Activity: –

DistanceDose rateRisk
1 cm
10 cm
1 m

The external dose rate (D) from a radioactive mineral is estimated by summing the gamma radiation contributions from its Uranium, Thorium, and Potassium content, disregarding daughter-product which may have a significant effect in some cases (eg 'pitchblende'). This involves multiplying the activity (A, in Bq) of each element by its specific gamma ray constant (Γ), which accounts for its unique gamma emissions. The total unshielded dose at 1 cm is then scaled by the square of the distance (r, in cm) and multiplied by a shielding factor (μshield). This calculation provides a 'worst-case' or 'maximum risk' estimate because it assumes the sample is a point source and entirely neglects any self-shielding where radiation is absorbed within the mineral itself, meaning actual doses will typically be lower. The resulting dose rate (D) is expressed in microsieverts per hour (μSv/h).

D = ((AU × ΓU) + (ATh × ΓTh) + (AK × ΓK)) / r2 × μshield

Other InformationHide

Thermal Behaviour:
Easily fusible to a transparent glass.
Notes:
Readily decomposed by acids, with the separation of silica. When ground, gives a felty mass.
Health Risks:
No information on health risks for this material has been entered into the database. You should always treat mineral specimens with care.

Canasite in petrologyHide

An essential component of rock names highlighted in red, an accessory component in rock names highlighted in green.

Internet Links for CanasiteHide

References for CanasiteHide

Localities for CanasiteHide

This map shows a selection of localities that have latitude and longitude coordinates recorded. Click on the symbol to view information about a locality. The symbol next to localities in the list can be used to jump to that position on the map.

Locality ListHide

- This locality has map coordinates listed. - This locality has estimated coordinates. ⓘ - Click for references and further information on this occurrence. ? - Indicates mineral may be doubtful at this locality. - Good crystals or important locality for species. - World class for species or very significant. (TL) - Type Locality for a valid mineral species. (FRL) - First Recorded Locality for everything else (eg varieties). Struck out - Mineral was erroneously reported from this locality. Faded * - Never found at this locality but inferred to have existed at some point in the past (e.g. from pseudomorphs).

All localities listed without proper references should be considered as questionable.
Namibia
 
  • Khomas Region
    • Windhoek Rural
      • Aris
 ...
Russia
 
  • Aldan Shield
    • Chara and Tokko Rivers Confluence
      • Murunskii Massif
Solyanik et al. (2008) +1 other reference
Wolfgang Henckel
  • Murmansk Oblast
    • Khibiny Massif
      • Kukisvumchorr Mt
[World of Stones 95:5-6
Pekov (1998)
Mineralogical Society of America - ...
      • Yukspor Mt
Pekov (1998)
Quick NavTopAbout CanasiteUnique IdentifiersIMA Classification Classification Mineral SymbolsPhysical Properties Optical Data Chemistry Crystallography X-Ray Powder DiffractionGeological EnvironmentType Occurrence Other LanguagesRelationshipsCommon AssociatesStrunz-MindatRadioactivityOther InformationCanasite in petrologyInternet Links References Localities Locality List
 
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