General Information:
Chemical Formula:
NaAlSi2O6·(H2O)
Composition:
(Molecular Weight = 220.15 gm)
Sodium 10.44 % Na
Aluminum 12.26 % Al
Silicon 25.51 % Si
Hydrogen 0.92 % H
Oxygen 50.87 % O
Empirical Formula:
NaAl(Si2O6)·(H2O)
Environment:
Occurs frequently in basalts and other basic igneous rocks associated with other zeolites.
IMA Status:
Approved IMA 1959
Locality:
Aussig in Bohemial of Czechoslovakia.
Name Origin:
From the Greek word meaning weak, referring to a weak electrical charge developed on rubbing.
Physical Properties:
Cleavage:
[001] Indistinct, [010] Indistinct, [100] Indistinct
Color:
white, grayish white, greenish white, yellowish white, or reddish white.
Density:
2.3
Diaphaniety:
Transparent to Subtransparent to translucent
Habits:
Euhedral Crystals - Occurs as well-formed crystals showing good external form., Granular - Generally occurs as anhedral to subhedral crystals in matrix., Massive - Uniformly indisting uishable crystals forming large masses.
Hardness:
5 - Apatite
Luminescence:
Fluorescent.
Luster:
Vitreous (Glassy)
Streak:
white
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