Babingtonite
A variety of Minerals
What is Babingtonite?
Babingtonite is a calcium iron manganese inosilicate mineral with the formula Ca2(Fe,Mn)FeSi5O14(OH). It is unusual in that iron(III) completely replaces the aluminium so typical of silicate minerals. It is a very dark green to black translucent (in thin crystals or splinters) mineral crystallizing in the triclinic system with typically radial short prismatic clusters and druzy coatings. It occurs with zeolite minerals in cavities in volcanic rocks. Babingtonite contains both iron(II) and iron(III) and shows weak magnetism. It has a Mohs hardness of 5.5 to 6 and a specific gravity of 3.3. It was first described in 1824 from samples from Arendal, Aust-Agder, Norway (which is its type locality) and was named after the Irish physician and mineralogist William Babington (1757–1833). It is the official mineral (mineral emblem) of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The first published report of babingtonite in Massachusetts was by Francis Alger in 1844, who credited Thomas Nuttall with its discovery in Charlestown (now Somerville). The location was the Granite Street quarry, formerly known as the Milk Row quarry.
Uses & Applications
Babingtonite is primarily collected as mineral specimens due to its interesting crystal forms and relative rarity. It has been studied for potential use as an iron source and as a catalyst in chemical reactions, though neither application is commercially significant.
Optical Properties
- Refractive Index
- 1.714-1.760
- Pleochroism
- Strong
- Optical Character
- Biaxial positive
- Dispersion
- 0.025
Discover Values
Market Value Factors
Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Babingtonite before comparing listings or appraisals.
Size & Weight
Larger, intact specimens usually command higher prices.
Rarity & Demand
Scarce material or popular varieties sell at a premium.
Condition & Finish
Chips, repairs, and heavy wear lower value; clean prep helps.
Treatment & Provenance
Untreated specimens with documented locality are prized.
Babingtonite Localities Map
See where Babingtonite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.
The Meaning
Named after English mineralogist William Babington who first described it in 1824. The mineral represents scientific discovery and the systematic study of Earth materials during the early 19th century.
Geochemistry
Forms in contact metamorphic environments and in cavities within mafic volcanic rocks. Its unique triclinic crystal structure makes it readily identifiable under microscopic examination.
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Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- Dark greenish-black
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 5.5 - 6
- Density
- 3.26 g/cm³
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- Ca2(Fe,Mn)FeSi5O14(OH)
- Elements
- Ca, Fe, H, Mn, O, Si
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Babingtonite FAQs
How do I identify Babingtonite?
Babingtonite can be identified by its hardness of 5.5 - 6 on the Mohs scale, Dark greenish-black color. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.
What color is Babingtonite?
Babingtonite typically appears in Dark greenish-black. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.
How hard is Babingtonite?
Babingtonite has a hardness of 5.5 - 6 on the Mohs scale. This gives it moderate hardness.
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