AllMineralsRock
Arfvedsonite
Arfvedsonite is a popular mineral group composed of sodium iron silicate. [1]
Arfvedsonite: Quick Facts and Characteristics
Some quick facts for Arfvedsonite:- Transparency: Arfvedsonite can be opaque or translucent.
- Crystallography: In terms of crystallography, arfvedsonite is monoclinic.
- Luster: In terms of luster, arfvedsonite is vitreous (glassy).
- Streak: Arfvedsonite streaks bluish-gray or dark bluish-gray.
- Specific Gravity: Arfvedsonite's specific gravity ranges from 3.1 to 3.5.
Arfvedsonite: Background and Summary
Arfvedsonite is a rare mineral that belongs to the amphibole group. It is named after the Swedish chemist Johan August Arfwedson who discovered lithium. Arfvedsonite is known for its unique blue-black color and its prismatic crystal structure. It is commonly found in igneous rocks such as syenites, nepheline syenites, and phonolites. Arfvedsonite is identified by its characteristic color, crystal habit, and cleavage.To identify arfvedsonite, one should look for its blue-black color and its prismatic crystal structure. It has a Mohs hardness of 5-6, which means it is relatively hard and can scratch glass. Arfvedsonite has two cleavage planes that intersect at approximately 56 and 124 degrees. It is also biaxial, which means that it has two optic axes.
Arfvedsonite has limited commercial use due to its rarity. However, it is sometimes used as a decorative stone in jewelry and as a mineral specimen. It is also used in the production of ceramics and glass.
Arfvedsonite: Table of Properties
| Attribute | Arfvedsonite (src) |
|---|---|
| Transparency | translucent, opaque |
| Chemical Formula | NaNa2Fe2+4Fe3+Si8O22(OH)2 |
| Chemical Composition | sodium iron silicate |
| Specific Gravity | 3.1, 3.5 |
| Streak | dark bluish-gray, bluish-gray |
| Crystallography | monoclinic |
| Hydrous | No |
| Colors | common: black, brown sometimes: green less common: gray |
| Category | inosilicate |
| Birefringence | δ = 0.014 |
| Fracture | 1: 1 |
Arfvedsonite: FAQ
Q: Is arfvedsonite toxic?A: No, arfvedsonite is not toxic.
Q: Where is arfvedsonite found?
A: Arfvedsonite is found in igneous rocks such as syenites, nepheline syenites, and phonolites.
Q: What is the hardness of arfvedsonite?
A: Arfvedsonite has a Mohs hardness of 5-6.
Q: Is arfvedsonite expensive?
A: Arfvedsonite is rare, but it is not typically expensive due to its limited commercial use.
Sources
- Mindat.org: https://www.mindat.org/min-313.html- Geology.com: https://geology.com/minerals/arfvedsonite.shtml
- Arfvedsonite: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arfvedsonite
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