Mineral Species: Greifensteinite on Gormantite

Chemical Formula: Ca2Be4(Fe++,Mn)5(PO4)6(OH)4·6(H2O)

Chemical Name: Calcium Beryllium Iron Manganese Phosphate

Mineral Class: Phosphate

Mineral Notes: Greifensteinite is usually found in cavities in lithium-rich granite pegmatite. It is named after the type location, Greifenstein Rocks, Erzgebirge, Saxony, Germany. It characteristically forms fibrous bundles which resemble Stilbite. However these are much smaller and green rather than yellow or orange. The mineral was only listed as an approved mineral species in 2001.

Description: The specimen is formed from several fused bundles of Greifensteinite. The colour is dark green and individual crystals can readily be seen, especially on the underside of the specimen. The small needle-like crystals are very reflective, having an attractive silky luster.

Location: Ehrenfriedersdorf, Erzgebirge, Saxony, Germany.