magnesiumåkermanite

Magnesiumåkermanite is a mineral belonging to the melilite group. Its chemical formula is Ca2MgSi2O7. It is a silicate mineral characterized by its distinctive crystal structure. Magnesiumåkermanite is a solid solution end-member with åkermanite, which has the formula Ca2MgSi2O7, and gehlenite, which has the formula Ca2Al(AlSi)O7. In pure magnesiumåkermanite, magnesium occupies the M1 and M2 cation sites, while calcium occupies the larger X cation site. It crystallizes in the tetragonal crystal system.

This mineral is typically found in igneous rocks, particularly in alkaline volcanic rocks and some metamorphic rocks, such as skarns and contact metamorphosed limestones. It often forms as a secondary mineral, resulting from metasomatic alteration processes. It can also occur in meteorites. Magnesiumåkermanite is a relatively rare mineral. Its physical properties include a Mohs hardness of around 5 to 6, a vitreous luster, and it typically appears colorless to pale yellow or greenish. It exhibits a conchoidal fracture and is brittle. The density of magnesiumåkermanite is approximately 2.95 g/cm³. It is not magnetic and does not fluoresce under UV light. Its occurrence is often associated with minerals like wollastonite, diopside, and melilite.