General Information:
Chemical Formula:
AlO(OH)
Composition:
(Molecular Weight = 59.99 gm)
Aluminum 44.98 % Al
Hydrogen 1.68 % H
Oxygen 53.34 % O
Empirical Formula:
AlO(OH)
Environment:
Metamorphic and sedimentary bauxite ores.
Locality:
Common world wide.
Name Origin:
From the Greek word "to scatter," referring to the mineral's easy disintegration in the blowpipe flame.
Physical Properties:
Cleavage:
[010] Perfect, [110] Good
Color:
white, greenish gray, grayish brown, colorless, or yellow.
Density:
3.3 - 3.5, Average = 3.4
Diaphaniety:
Transparent to subtranslucent
Habits:
Platy - Sheet forms (e.g. micas)., Tabular - Form dimensions are thin in one direction., Disseminated - Occurs in small, distinct particles dispersed in matrix.
Hardness:
6.5-7 - Pyrite-Quartz
Luminescence:
None.
Luster:
Vitreous - Pearly
Streak:
white
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