Holmquistite

specimen number:
2072044

location:
Koktokay, Xinjang, China

description:
A spray of crystals just over 3.0 cm across embedded up on matrix. Nice example for the species.

Holmquistite is a lithium rich amphibole mineral that typically occurs in metamorphic rocks associated with lithium bearing pegmatites. It forms as fibrous to bladed crystals, often showing a blue to bluish gray coloration and a silky to vitreous luster. Holmquistite develops during metamorphism when lithium from nearby pegmatites is introduced into surrounding host rocks, such as schists, under conditions of elevated temperature and pressure. It is commonly found in association with other lithium minerals such as spodumene and lepidolite, as well as quartz and feldspar. The mineral is of interest both for its role in indicating lithium rich environments and for its distinctive fibrous crystal habit.

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