Isokite, CaMgPO4F, a new mineral from Northern Rhodesia

Abstract

The mineral, for which the name isokite is now proposed, occurs in the carbonatite plug which forms Nkumbwa Hill Oat. 10° 10' S. long. 32° 51' E.), 15 miles east of Isoka (pronounced Iso̅ka) in Northern Rhodesia. A preliminary account of this interesting mineral locality has already been published (Reeve and Deans, 1954) and a more detailed account is now in preparation, so that only the main features of the occurrence need be mentioned here. The carbonatite plug or pipe, 0.6 by 1 mile across and rising to a height of 1000 feet above the surrounding country, pierces granitic and micaceous gneisses which are fenitized to a distance of 500 yards from the walls of the pipe, but, unlike the classic carbonatite complexes, no intrusive alkalic rocks are exposed.