Xonotlite

Xonotlite

Xonotlite from Newfoundland
General
Category Inosilicates
Formula
(repeating unit)
Ca6Si6O17(OH)2
Strunz classification 9.DG.35
Dana classification 66.3.1.1
Crystal system Monoclinic
Identification
Crystal symmetry Monoclinic - prismatic
H-M symbol (2/m)
Space group P2/a

Xonotlite is a mineral with the chemical formula Ca6Si6O17(OH)2. It crystallizes in the monoclinic - prismatic crystal system with typically an acicular crystal form or habit. It can be colorless, gray, light gray, lemon white, or pink. It is transparent with a vitreous to silky luster. It leaves a white streak. Xonotlite is rated 6.5 on the Mohs Scale of hardness. It was first described in 1866 and named for its occurrence in Tetela de Xonotla, Puebla, Mexico. It occurs as veins in serpentinite and contact metamorphism aureoles.

Xonotlite from Italy.

References

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Xonotlite.
This article is issued from Wikipedia - version of the Monday, March 28, 2016. The text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share Alike but additional terms may apply for the media files.