General Information:
Chemical Formula:
Ca5MgB24O42·30(H2O)
Composition:
(Molecular Weight = 1,696.57 gm)
Calcium 11.81 % Ca
Magnesium 1.43 % Mg
Boron 15.29 % B
Hydrogen 3.56 % H
Oxygen 67.90 % O
Empirical Formula:
Ca5MgB24O42·30(H2O)
Environment:
Continental borate-bearing evaporite deposits.
IMA Status:
Approved IMA 1970
Locality:
Furnace Creek district, Inyo County, and Boron, Kern County, California, USA
Name Origin:
Named for Ward C. Smith (1906-), U. S. Geologist.
Physical Properties:
Cleavage:
[0001] Good
Color:
colorless or white.
Density:
1.88
Diaphaniety:
Transparent
Habits:
Microscopic Crystals - Crystals visible only with microscopes., Nodular - Tuberose forms having irregular protuberances over the surface.,
Hardness:
2.5 - Finger Nail
Luster:
Vitreous (Glassy)
Streak:
white
More details...