Hydroboracite
| Hydroboracite | |
|---|---|
|
Hydroboracite, California(?) | |
| General | |
| Category | Inoborates |
| Formula (repeating unit) | CaMgB6O8(OH)6·3H2O |
| Strunz classification | 06.CB.15 |
| Unit cell |
a = 11.76Å, b = 6.68Å, c = 8.23Å β = 102.59° |
| Identification | |
| Color | Colourless, white |
| Crystal system | Monoclinic |
| Mohs scale hardness | 2 |
| Luster | Vitreous, silky |
| Diaphaneity | Transparent |
| Optical properties | Biaxial (+) |
| Refractive index | nα = 1.520 - 1.523 nβ = 1.534 - 1.535 nγ = 1.569 - 1.571 |
| Birefringence | δ = 0.049 |
| 2V angle | Measured: 60° to 66°, calculated: 62° to 66° |
| Dispersion | relatively weak |
| Solubility | Virtually insoluble in cold water. Partially dissolved by prolonged submersion in boiling water. |
Hydroboracite is a hydrated borate mineral (hence the name), whose chemical composition is CaMgB6O8(OH)6·3(H2O) . It was discovered in 1834 in Atyrau Province, Kazakhstan. Hydroboracite is a minor borate ore mineral.