Whewellite
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Whewellite is a mineral, hydrated calcium oxalate, formula CaC2O4·H2O. Because of its organic content it is thought to have an indirect biological origin and this is supported by it being found in coal and sedimentary nodules. However, it has also been found in hydrothermal deposits where a biological source appears improbable. For this reason it can be classed as true mineral.
Whewellite, or at least crysatlline calcium oxalate does also arise from natural sources. Small crytals or flakes are sometimes found forming on the surface of some cacti. Also some particularly unpleasant kidney stones are deposited as calcium oxalate. Not having a geological origin these would not be considered minerals.
Whewellite is named after William Whewell (1794-1866), an English mineralogist.
 |
This article about a specific mineral, mineraloid, or rock type is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |
