Baddeleyite - Encyclopedia

    Class : Oxides and hydroxides
    Subclass : Oxides
    Crystal System : Monoclinic
    Chemistry : ZrO₂
    Rarity : Rare

Baddeleyite is the natural oxide of zirconium. It is a rare mineral in rocks with a high silica deficit, from nepheline syenites and carbonatites to kimberlites and anorthosites. Baddeleyite is unalterable and is concentrated in alluvial deposits where it can constitute important placers. It owes its name to Joseph Baddeley who discovered it in 1890 at Kollonnagam in Sri Lanka. The crystals are rare and of varied habitus : slightly elongated tabular, stocky or elongated prismatic, rarely isometric. Baddeleyite is especially common in small fibroradiated or fibrous botryoidal masses, usually black in color, but which can present a wide range of colors (yellow, green, brown, colorless, etc.). Baddeleyite placers are one of the world's largest reserves of zirconium.

Main photo : Baddeleyite From Mount Somma, Naples, Italy © Chinellato Matteo

Twins are ubiquitous in this species on {100} and {110}, both of which may be polysynthetic, however they are rarer on {201}.

No fake or treatment identified for this mineral species.