The chemical formula of mineral Ludlamite is indicated by (Fe, Mg, Mn)3(PO4)2 – 4H2O or Hydrated Iron Magnesium Manganese Phosphate. Ludlamite is actually a Phosphate mineral. Ludlamite is most famous from the classic Wheal Jane Mine of Cornwall, England. The first mineral specimen of Ludlamite was actually first discovered from that locality at around 1876 to 1877 when the old mine had been reopened. The mine was actually closed for a long time and then again reopened and produced some wonderful Ludlamite specimens. Mineral Ludlamite was actually named after Henry Ludlam, a British collector of fine rare minerals. Ludlamite is known to crystallize in the monoclinic system of crystal formation. In optical mineralogy, the monoclinic system of crystal formation comprises crystals having three axes of unequal lengths. Two of which are usually found in a position that is oblique or not perpendicular to one another. However, both of which are commonly found perpendicular to the third axis.
Ludlamite is actually considered a classic phosphate mineral by most mineralogists. Ludlamite is most commonly used as mineral specimen and it is often found exhibiting a nice and fascinating appearance when viewed under polarizing light microscopes used in optical mineralogy. Ludlamite specimens are commonly characterized by a bright green color, usually apple green color, a vitreous luster and a very interesting and wonderful crystal habit that are commonly found majestically exhibited under petrographic polarizing light microscope for mineralogists. Ludlamite aggregates typically form into sprays of jaggedly pointed sheaves that are often found pinched in the middle like sheaves of wheat when viewed closely with the aid of polarizing microscopes used in optical mineralogy. It is truly a blessing for mineral collectors to own even just a single specimen of mineral Ludlamite.
Mineral Ludlamite is commonly found exhibiting wonderful color including a few shades of green, often bright apple green or colorless that is usually majestically exhibited under polarizing light microscopes for mineralogists. Ludlamite is most commonly found exhibiting a vitreous luster in reflected light of geological polarizing light microscope. Ludlamite also exhibits perfect basal cleavage in one direction and this can be seen more clearly visible under polarizing light microscopes for mineralogists. Ludlamite is most commonly found showing uneven fracture when viewed closely under polarizing light microscope. The specific gravity measure of the mineral usually gives an approximate value ranging from 3.1 grams per cubic centimeters to 3.2 grams per cubic centimeters, which is considered very slightly above average. The hardness measure of the mineral Ludlamite when it is evaluated using the Mohs scale method is usually ranging from 3 to 4. Ludlamite is most commonly found leaving a white streak when it is rubbed on a white porcelain streak plate.
Most Ludlamite crystals are found transparent to translucent in appearance. The crystal habit of Ludlamite as usually includes tabular almost pseudo-octahedral crystals that are usually fascinating when viewed under geological polarizing light microscopes. It can be also found as jagged, crystalline masses and aggregate sprays or sheaves that can be also splendidly exhibited under polarized light microscopes used in optical mineralogy. Ludlamite is commonly found having biaxial positive figure when it is evaluated between crossed nicols of petrographic polarizing light microscopes. The refractive index of mineral Ludlamite is commonly found ranging from 1.650 to 1.697. The maximum birefringence of mineral Ludlamite is usually ranging from 0.038 to 0.044. It also displays perceptible dispersion when viewed under geological polarizing light microscopes. There is no specific data found on the toxicity and health dangers for mineral Ludlamite. However, the specimens of the mineral species should be treated with great care and use of sensible precaution is advised upon handling them. Mineral Ludlamite is a non-radioactive mineral species.
Mineral Ludlamite is commonly associated with other interesting minerals including pyrite, siderite, vivianite, limonite, triphylite, and other primary and secondary phosphates. The best field indicators of mineral Ludlamite usually include cleavage, locality, crystal habit, and color. Mineral Ludlamite can be found in only few localities. It notably occurs at the classic Wheal Jane Mine of Truro, Cornwall, England as well as La Union in Spain, Canada, Mexico, Germany, Cobalt, Idaho, and some areas in the United States including North Groton in New Hampshire and the Custer County in South Dakota.
