Biotite

Biotite is a popular mineral group composed of a group of silicates. ^[1]

Biotite: Quick Facts and Characteristics

Some quick facts for Biotite:

• Transparency: Biotite can be opaque or translucent.
• Crystallography: In terms of crystallography, biotite is monoclinic.
• Luster: In terms of luster, biotite is pearly.
• Streak: Biotite streaks white.
• Hardness: Biotite's hardness ranges from 2.5 to 3 on the Moh's scale.
• Specific Gravity: Biotite's specific gravity ranges from 2.8 to 3.4.

Biotite: Background and Summary

Biotite is a common mineral that belongs to the mica group, which is a group of sheet silicate minerals. It is typically black or dark brown in color and has a metallic luster. Biotite is characterized by its perfect cleavage, which allows it to be easily split into thin, flexible sheets. Its chemical formula is K(Mg,Fe)3(AlSi3O10)(OH)2.

To identify biotite, one can look for its characteristic color and metallic luster. It is also identified by its perfect cleavage, which results in thin, flexible sheets. Biotite is often found in igneous and metamorphic rocks, such as granite, gneiss, and schist.

Biotite has several uses in industry and research. It is used in the manufacture of electrical insulators, as it has good electrical conductivity and can withstand high temperatures. It is also used as a filler in paint and plastics. In research, biotite is used as a standard mineral for geochronology, which is the study of the age of rocks and minerals.