Sassolite

Sassolite

Yellow sassolite
General
Category Borate mineral
Formula
(repeating unit)
H3BO3
Strunz classification 06.AA.05
Crystal symmetry Triclinic 1
Unit cell a = 7.02 Å, b = 7.06 Å, c = 6.59 Å; α = 103.65°, β = 101.11°, γ = 59.98°; Z = 4
Identification
Colour White to gray, may be pale yellow from included sulfur or pale brown from included iron oxides; colourless in transmitted light
Crystal habit As scaly pseudohexagonal crystals; ncrustations; platy; tabular; may be stalactitic
Crystal system Triclinic-pinacoidal
Twinning Around [001] as twin axis, common
Cleavage Perfect on {001}, micaceous
Tenacity Sectile
Mohs scale hardness 1
Lustre Vitreous to pearly
Streak White
Diaphaneity Transparent
Specific gravity 1.46-1.50
Optical properties Biaxial (-)
Refractive index nα = 1.340 nβ = 1.456 nγ = 1.459
Birefringence δ = 0.119
2V angle Measured: 5°, Calculated: 16°
Solubility Soluble in water
References [1][2][3]

Sassolite is a borate mineral, and is the mineral form of boric acid. It occurs in volcanic fumaroles and hot springs, as well as in bedded sedimentary evaporite deposits.[1]

Its mineral form was first described in 1800, and was named after Sasso Pisano, Castelnuovo Val di Cecina, Pisa Province, Tuscany, Italy where it was found.[3] The mineral may be found in lagoons throughout Tuscany and Sasso.[2] Usually coloured white to gray, it is colourless in transmitted light, and can also take on a yellow colour from sulfur impurities, or brown from iron oxides.[1]

See also

References

External links

Media related to Sassolite at Wikimedia Commons