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Bytownite is a calcium rich member of the plagioclase solid solution series of feldspar with composition between anorthite and labradorite. It is usually defined as having between 70 and 90%Anorthite (formula: ). Like others of the series, bytownite forms grey to white triclinic crystals commonly exhibiting the typical plagioclase crystal twinning and associated fine striations.
The specific gravity of bytownite varies between 2.74 and 2.75. The refractive index ranges are nα=1.563 – 1.572, nβ=1.568 – 1.578, and nγ=1.573 – 1.583. Precise determination of these two properties with chemical, X-ray diffraction, or Petrography analysis are required for identification.
The mineral was first described in 1836Thomas Thomson, Outlines of Mineralogy, Geology, and Mineral Analysis, vol. I, Baldwin & Cradock, Londres, 1836, p. 372 and named for an occurrence at Bytown (now Ottawa), Canada. Other noted occurrences in Canada include the Shawmere anorthosite in Foleyet Township, Ontario, and on Yamaska Mountain, near Abbotsford, Quebec. It occurs on Rùm island, Scotland and Eycott Hill, near Keswick, Cumberland, England. It is reported from Naaraodal, Norway and in the Bushveld complex of South Africa. It is also found in Isa Valley, Western Australia.
In the US it is found in the Stillwater igneous complex of Montana; from near Lakeview, Lake County, Oregon. It occurs in the Lucky Cuss mine, Tombstone, Arizona; and from the Grants district, McKinley County, New Mexico. In the eastern US it occurs at Cornwall, Lebanon County, Pennsylvania and Phoenixville, Chester County, Pennsylvania.
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