Category Halide mineral Strunz classification 3.AB.15 Space group P41/mnm | Formula(repeating unit) MgF2 Crystal system Tetragonal | |
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Crystal class Ditetragonal dipyramidal (4/mmm)H-M symbol: (4/m 2/m 2/m) | ||
Sellaite is a magnesium fluoride mineral with the formula MgF2. It crystallizes in the tetragonal crystal system typically as clear to white vitreous prisms. It may be fibrous and occur as radiating aggregates. It has a Mohs hardness of 5 to 6 and a specific gravity of 2.97 to 3.15. Refractive index values are nω = 1.378 and nε = 1.390.
Discovery and occurrence
It was first described in 1868 and named for Italian mining engineer and mineralogist Quintino Sella (1827–1884). The type locality is Gébroulaz glacier, Val Thorens, Savoie, Rhône-Alpes, France. In the type locality sellaite occurred within a bitumen bearing dolomite-anhydrite rock within a moraine deposit.
It has been reported from Bleicherode, Thuringia, Germany, where it occurs in an evaporite deposit. in Vesuvius, Italy, it occurs within volcanic ejecta and fumaroles. In Serra das Éguas, Brazil, sellaite occurs in a magnesite deposit that has been metamorphosed. Near Lake Gjerdingen, Nordmarka, Oppland, Norway, it occurs in an sodic alkali granite.