General Information:
Chemical Formula:
Al2Si2O5(OH)4
Composition:
(Molecular Weight = 258.16 gm)
Aluminum 20.90 % Al
Silicon 21.76 % Si
Hydrogen 1.56 % H
Oxygen 55.78 % O
Empirical Formula:
Al2Si2O5(OH)4
Name Origin:
From the French, nacre, "mother-of-pearl."
Physical Properties:
Cleavage:
[001] Perfect
Color:
colorless, white, yellowish, or brownish.
Density:
2.6
Diaphaniety:
Transparent
Habits:
Massive - Uniformly indistinguishable crystals forming large masses., Scaly - Morphology like fish scales., Earthy - Dull, clay-like texture with no visible crystalline affinities, (e .g. howlite).
Hardness:
1 - Talc
Luster:
Pearly
Streak:
white
More details...