lofffanite

Lofffanite is a rare mineral discovered in 1995, named after the Italian mineralogist, Giovanni Loffredo. It is a complex oxide mineral with the chemical formula (Na,Ca)2(Fe,Mn)3+O(AsO4)2. Lofffanite is typically found in granitic pegmatites and is associated with other minerals such as allanite, aegirine, and microcline. It is characterized by its dark brown to black color, metallic luster, and perfect cleavage in one direction. The mineral has a hardness of approximately 5.5 on the Mohs scale and a specific gravity of around 4.2. Lofffanite is of interest to mineralogists and collectors due to its rarity and unique chemical composition. It is not known to have any significant industrial applications.