Humberstonite is a rare and specific mineral that belongs to the natrocarbonatite group. It is named after its discovery location, Humberston, near Iquique, Chile. Humberstonite has a distinct chemical composition, primarily comprising sodium, carbon, and oxygen, and is often found in association with other carbonatite minerals.
In terms of physical characteristics, humberstonite typically occurs as colorless or white crystalline masses. It has a transparent to translucent appearance and exhibits a vitreous to chalky luster. The mineral often appears in the form of aggregates, encrustations, or granular structures.
Humberstonite holds an orthorhombic crystal system, and its crystal structure consists of carbonate groups linked together by sodium cations. It has a relatively low Mohs hardness of around 2.5, making it a relatively soft mineral.
Regarding its geological occurrence, humberstonite is primarily found in natrocarbonatite intrusions, originating from alkaline igneous rocks. In addition to its type locality in Chile, it has also been reported in other parts of the world, including Italy, Russia, and Greenland.
Due to its rarity and limited occurrence, humberstonite does not have any significant industrial applications. It is primarily sought after by mineral collectors and researchers due to its unique chemical composition and crystal structure.
In summary, humberstonite is a rare mineral composed mainly of sodium, carbon, and oxygen. It typically appears as colorless or white crystals and is associated with natrocarbonatite intrusions.
