General Information:
Chemical Formula:
NaSi7O13(OH)3·4(H2O)
Composition:
(Molecular Weight = 550.66 gm)
Sodium 4.17 % Na
Silicon 35.70 % Si
Hydrogen 2.01 % H
Oxygen 58.11 % O
Empirical Formula:
NaSi7O13(OH)3·4(H2O)
Environment:
Associated with other rare alkalic minerals in brines with high Ph and silica content.
IMA Status:
Approved IMA 1967
Locality:
Lake Magadi, Olduvai Gorge, Kenya.
Name Origin:
Named for the locality.
Physical Properties:
Color:
white.
Diaphaniety:
Transparent
Habits:
Microscopic Crystals - Crystals visible only with microscopes., Platy - Sheet forms (e.g. micas)., Powdery - Forms a loose, poorly-coherent pulverulent mass.
Hardness:
2 - Gypsum
Luster:
Vitreous - Dull
Streak:
white
More details...