General Information:
Chemical Formula:
K2Ca2Mg(SO4)4·2(H2O)
Composition:
(Molecular Weight = 602.94 gm)
Potassium 12.97 % K
Calcium 13.29 % Ca
Magnesium 4.03 % Mg
Hydrogen 0.67 % H
Sulfur 21.27 % S
Oxygen 47.76 % O
Empirical Formula:
K2Ca2Mg(SO4)4·2(H2O)
Environment:
Sedimentary marine evaporite deposits.
Locality:
Potash beds near Carlsbad, New Mexico.
Name Origin:
From the Greek, polys, meaning "much" and hals, meaning "salt." in allusion to the many salt components in the formulae..
Physical Properties:
Cleavage:
[101] Perfect
Color:
colorless, gray, gray white, white, or pink.
Density:
2.77 - 2.78, Average = 2.77
Diaphaniety:
Transparent to Translucent
Habits:
Massive - Lamellar - Distinctly foliated fine-grained forms., Massive - Fibrous - Distinctly fibrous fine-grained forms.,
Hardness:
2.5-3.5 - Finger Nail-Copper Penny
Luster:
Vitreous (Glassy)
Streak:
white
More details...