General Information:
Chemical Formula:
(Mg,Fe++,Al)3(Al,Si)4O10(OH)2·4(H2O)
Composition:
(Molecular Weight = 504.19 gm)
Magnesium 8.68 % Mg
Aluminum 23.01 % Al
Iron 9.97 % Fe
Silicon 5.57 % Si
Hydrogen 2.00 % H
Oxygen 50.77 % O
Empirical Formula:
Mg1.8Fe2+0.9Al4.3SiO10(OH)2·4(H2O)
Name Origin:
From the Latin vermiculus, "little worm."
Physical Properties:
Cleavage:
[001] Perfect
Color:
colorless, green, gray white, or yellow brown.
Density:
2.3 - 2.7, Average = 2.5
Diaphaniety:
Translucent
Habits:
Lamellar - Thin laminae producing a lamellar structure., Scaly - Morphology like fish scales.,
Hardness:
1.5-2 - Talc-Gypsum
Luster:
Vitreous - Dull
Streak:
greenish white
More details...