Inyoite
| Inyoite | |
|---|---|
 | |
| General | |
| Category | Nesoborates |
| Formula (repeating unit) | Ca(H4B3O7)(OH)·4(H2O) |
| Strunz classification | 06.CA.35 |
| Crystal symmetry | Monoclinic 2/m - prismatic |
| Unit cell | a = 10.63 Å, b = 12.06 Å, c = 8.4 Å; β = 114.03°; Z = 4 |
| Identification | |
| Colour | Colourless, white on dehydration. |
| Crystal habit | Commonly as prismatic to tabular crystals; also in cockscomb aggregates of pseudorhombohedral crystals; coarsely spherulitic or granular |
| Crystal system | Monoclinic |
| Cleavage | Good on {001}, distinct on {010} |
| Fracture | Irregular/uneven |
| Tenacity | Brittle |
| Mohs scale hardness | 2 |
| Luster | Vitreous |
| Specific gravity | 1.875 |
| Optical properties | Biaxial (-) |
| Refractive index | nα = 1.495 nβ = 1.505 - 1.512 nγ = 1.520 |
| Birefringence | Maximum δ = 0.025 |
| Dispersion | weak |
| References | [1][2] |
Inyoite, named after Inyo County, California, where it was discovered in 1914, is a colourless monoclinic mineral. It turns white on dehydration. Its chemical formula is Ca(H4B3O7)(OH)·4(H2O) or CaB3O3(OH)5·4(H2O).[2]
Inyoite, 3 cm. crystal, from Monte Azul deposit, Sijes, Salta Province, Argentina.
References
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