Chemical Formula |
Ca2B5SiO9(OH)5 |
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Composition |
Basic calcium silico-borate |
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Color |
White, commonly marked with black or brown intersecting vine-like or skin-like veins |
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Streak |
White |
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Hardness |
3.5 |
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Crystal System |
Monoclinic |
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Crystal Forms |
Occurs in giant masses and as fragments of them. Also occurs as large and small nodules resembling cauliflower heads. Large masses have the same texture as unglazed porcelain. Crystals, which are tabular, are barely noticeable with the naked eye. They are found in only one region in Nova Scotia, where the crystals occur on large nodules. Also occursscaly and earthy. |
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Transparency |
Translucent in thin splinters; otherwise opaque |
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Specific Gravity |
2.5 - 2.6 |
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Luster |
Dull, sometimes vitreous |
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Cleavage |
None |
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Fracture |
Conchoidal to even |
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Tenacity |
Brittle |
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Other ID Marks |
Sometimes fluorescent cream-yellow to white in shortwave ultraviolet light. |
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Complex Tests |
Soluble in hydrochloric acid |
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In Group |
Borates; Hydrous Borates |
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Striking Features |
Mineral formations and localities |
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Environment |
Borax evaporite deposits in dry lakes and in sedimentary clay. |
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Rock Type |
Sedimentary |
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Popularity (1-4) |
3 |
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Prevalence (1-3) |
2 |
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Demand (1-3) |
2 |
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