General Information:
Chemical Formula:
(Mg,Al)2Si4O10(OH)·4(H2O)
Composition:
(Molecular Weight = 411.35 gm)
Magnesium 8.86 % Mg
Aluminum 3.28 % Al
Silicon 27.31 % Si
Hydrogen 2.21 % H
Oxygen 58.34 % O
Empirical Formula:
Mg1.5Al0.5Si4O10(OH)·4(H2O)
Name Origin:
Named after a deposit in the Ural Mountains, Russia.
Physical Properties:
Cleavage:
[110] Good
Color:
white, gray, or brownish white.
Density:
2.1 - 2.2, Average = 2.15
Diaphaniety:
Translucent
Habits:
Massive - Fibrous - Distinctly fibrous fine-grained forms., Earthy - Dull, clay-like texture with no visible crystalline affinities, (e.g. howlite).,
Hardness:
2-2.5 - Gypsum-Finger Nail
Luster:
Earthy (Dull)
Streak:
white
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