Aerinite

Aerinite

Aerinite from Spain
General
Category Inosilicate
Formula
(repeating unit)
Ca4(Al,Fe,Mg)10Si12O35(OH)12CO3·12H2O
Strunz classification 9.DB.45
Crystal system Monoclinic
Unknown space group
Unit cell a = 14.690(15), b = 16.872(15)
c = 5.170(15) [Å]; β = 94.75°; Z = 1[1]
Identification
Color Blue to blue-green
Crystal habit fibrous
Mohs scale hardness 3
Luster vitreous
Streak bluish white
Diaphaneity translucent
Specific gravity 2.48
Optical properties Biaxial (-)
Refractive index nα1.510(5), nβ = 1.560(5), nγ = 1.580
Pleochroism Intense; X = bright blue; Y = Z = pale beige
2V angle 63° (calc.)
Dispersion δ = 0.07
References [2][3][1]
Aerinite from Spain

Aerinite (Ca4(Al,Fe,Mg)10Si12O35(OH)12CO3·12H2O) is a bluish-purple inosilicate mineral. It crystallizes in the monoclinic system and occurs as fibrous masses and coatings. It has a dark, vitreous luster, a specific gravity of 2.48 and a Mohs hardness of 3.

It is a low-temperature hydrothermal phase occurring in zeolite facies alteration of mafic rocks. Associated minerals include prehnite, scolecite and mesolite.[2]

Its name comes from a Greek root "aerinos," meaning "atmosphere" or "sky".[1]

References

  1. 1 2 3 Aerinite. Mindat.org
  2. 1 2 Aerinite. Handbook of Mineralogy
  3. Aerinite. Webmineral
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