If you are fascinated by the hidden structures of our planet, you have likely come across
LÉVYNE-Na. This mineral is a compelling subject for study, offering a unique glimpse into the complex chemistry that shapes the Earth’s crust.Whether you are a student identifying a hand sample, a researcher looking for crystallographic data, or a collector curious about a new find, this guide breaks down everything you need to know about
LÉVYNE-Na. From its precise chemical formula to the geological environments where it thrives, let’s explore what makes this mineral distinct.
The Chemistry Behind the Crystal
Every mineral tells a story through its chemistry. At its core,
LÉVYNE-Na is defined by the chemical formula
Na6[(Si12Al6)O36]·18H2O.This isn’t just a string of letters and numbers; it represents the precise recipe of elements that nature used to build this specimen. This specific chemical composition is what gives the mineral its stability and dictates how it reacts with acids, heat, or other minerals. It is the fundamental “DNA” that geologists use to classify it within the larger mineral kingdom.
Crystallography: Geometry in Nature
One of the most beautiful aspects of mineralogy is the hidden geometry within every stone.
LÉVYNE-Na crystallizes in the
Hexagonal-Trigonal system.Think of this as the mineral’s architectural blueprint. It dictates the symmetry and the angles at which the crystal faces grow. Digging deeper into its symmetry, it falls under the
Trigonal scalenohedral.
- Point Group: 3 2/m
- Space Group: R3m
Why does this matter? These crystallographic details are like a fingerprint. They influence optical properties—how light travels through the crystal—and physical traits like how it breaks or cleaves when struck.
Internal Structure and Unit Cell
If we could zoom in to the atomic level, we would see the “Unit Cell”—the smallest repeating box of atoms that builds up the entire crystal. For
LÉVYNE-Na, the dimensions of this microscopic building block are:
a=13.34Å, c=23.01Å, Z=3
The internal arrangement of these atoms is described as:
Tektosilicates: tetrahedra are linked into 3-D framework with zeolitic H2O; when cage is ellipsodial in shape & is bounded by 9 4-membered rings, 5 6-membered rings, & 3 8-membered rings.2 Framework consists of stacking 6-rings in sequence AABCCABBC…. (Barrer & Kerr (1959), Merlino et al (1975)); repeat distance of this sequence is about 22.90 Å; btw like pairs of 6-membered rings are 2 levyne cages (LEV), which contain non-framework cations & H2O molecules; analyses of T-O bonds lengths by Merlino et al (1975), show that there is no Si, Al order in 6-membered rings; Sacerdoti (1996) did find evidenc of some order; non-framework cations occupy 5 diff cation sites, all in column within levyne cages; Cl is near double 6-membered ring, where it bonded to 3 of O & to 3 H2O molecules, & is fully occupied by Ca ions; C2 is nearly in center of cage surrounded by H2O molecules; C3 & C4 are 2 nearby sites that cannot be simultaneously occupied, & C5, loc in center of single 6-ring in those xl for which structures have been refined, occupancy of C2 thru C5 sites is less than 30%.3 Zeolites are alumino-silicate frameworks with usually loosely bonded alkali or alkali-earth cations, or both; molecules of H2O occupy extra-framework positions; levyne exhibits stacking of single & double 6-membered ring which diff from that in related structures of erionite & offretite; Ca is most abundant extra-framework cation.5 See “Additional Structures” tab for entry(s).4,5,6a,6b,7This internal structure is the invisible framework that supports everything we see on the outside, from the mineral’s density to its hardness.
Physical Appearance (Habit)
When you find
LÉVYNE-Na in the field, what does it actually look like? A mineral’s “habit” describes its typical shape and growth pattern.
- Common Habit: Thin tabular crystals, striated faces, rounded; sheaflike or confused aggregates (for orginal mineral)
- Twinning:
Twinning is a fascinating phenomenon where two or more crystals grow interlocked in a specific symmetrical pattern. If LÉVYNE-Na exhibits twinning, it can be a dead giveaway for identification, distinguishing it from look-alike minerals.
Where is it Found? (Geologic Occurrence)
Minerals are the products of their environment. They don’t just appear anywhere; they need specific conditions—pressure, temperature, and chemical ingredients—to form.
Geologic Occurrence:
Typically as a crystalline lining in cavities in basalts (for orginal mineral)Knowing this context helps geologists reconstruct the history of a rock formation. It tells us whether the rock was born from cooling magma, settled in an ancient ocean, or was transformed by the intense heat and pressure of metamorphism. For more broad geological context, resources like the
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) provide excellent maps and data.
Related Minerals
No mineral exists in a vacuum.
LÉVYNE-Na is often related to other species, either through similar chemistry or structure.
Relationship Data:
Zeolite family, lévyne subgroupUnderstanding these relationships is key. It helps us see the “family tree” of the mineral world, showing how different elements can substitute for one another to create an entirely new species with similar properties.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the chemical formula of LÉVYNE-Na?The standard chemical formula for LÉVYNE-Na is
Na6[(Si12Al6)O36]·18H2O. This defines its elemental composition.
2. Which crystal system does LÉVYNE-Na belong to?LÉVYNE-Na crystallizes in the
Hexagonal-Trigonal system. Its internal symmetry is further classified under the Trigonal scalenohedral class.
3. How is LÉVYNE-Na typically found in nature?The “habit” or typical appearance of LÉVYNE-Na is described as
Thin tabular crystals, striated faces, rounded; sheaflike or confused aggregates (for orginal mineral). This refers to the shape the crystals take when they grow without obstruction.
4. In what geological environments does LÉVYNE-Na form?LÉVYNE-Na is typically found in environments described as:
Typically as a crystalline lining in cavities in basalts (for orginal mineral). This gives clues to the geological history of the area where it is discovered.
5. Are there other minerals related to LÉVYNE-Na?Yes, it is often associated with or related to other minerals such as:
Zeolite family, lévyne subgroup.
External Resources for Further Study
For those looking to dive deeper into the specific mineralogical data of
LÉVYNE-Na, we recommend checking high-authority databases:
Final Thoughts
LÉVYNE-Na is more than just a name on a list; it is a testament to the orderly and beautiful laws of nature. With a chemical backbone of
Na6[(Si12Al6)O36]·18H2O and a structure defined by the
Hexagonal-Trigonal system, it holds a specific and important place in the study of mineralogy.We hope this overview has helped clarify the essential data points for this specimen. Whether for academic study or personal interest, understanding these properties brings us one step closer to understanding the Earth itself.
