General Information:
Chemical Formula:
NaAl(CO3)(OH)2
Composition:
(Molecular Weight = 126.99 gm)
Sodium 18.10 % Na
Aluminum 21.25 % Al
Hydrogen 0.79 % H
Carbon 9.46 % C
Oxygen 50.40 % O
Empirical Formula:
NaAl(CO3)(OH)
Locality:
Feldspathic dike near McGill university, Montreal, Canada.
Name Origin:
Named after the Canadian geologist, J. W. Dawson (1820-1899).
Physical Properties:
Cleavage:
[110] Perfect
Color:
colorless or white.
Density:
2.4 - 2.44, Average = 2.42
Diaphaniety:
Transparent
Habits:
Radial - Crystals radiate from a center without producing stellar forms (e.g. stibnite), Acicular - Occurs as needle-like crystals., Encrustations - Forms crust-like aggregates on mat rix.
Hardness:
3 - Calcite
Luminescence:
Fluorescent, Short UV=dull white.
Luster:
Vitreous - Silky
Streak:
white
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