AllMineralsRock
Colemanite
Colemanite is a popular mineral composed of calcium borate. [1]
Colemanite: Quick Facts and Characteristics
Some quick facts for Colemanite:- Transparency: Colemanite can be translucent or transparent.
- Crystallography: In terms of crystallography, colemanite is monoclinic.
- Luster: In terms of luster, colemanite can be adamantine or vitreous (glassy).
- Streak: Colemanite streaks white.
- Hardness: Colemanite's hardness is 4.5 on the Moh's scale.
- Specific Gravity: Colemanite's specific gravity is 2.42.
Colemanite: Background and Summary
Colemanite is a borate mineral that is known for its unique crystal structure and chemical composition. It is named after William Tell Coleman, an American mining engineer who discovered the mineral in the 1880s. Colemanite is commonly found in borate deposits in California, Turkey, and Argentina.Colemanite can be identified by its characteristic crystal structure, which is monoclinic, and its pale yellow to white color. Its hardness is 4.5 on the Mohs scale, and its specific gravity is 2.4. It is also known for its perfect cleavage and its tendency to form prismatic crystals.
Colemanite has several industrial uses, including as a source of boron, which is used in the production of glass, ceramics, and other materials. It is also used as a fertilizer and as a flame retardant. In addition, colemanite is used in the manufacture of specialty chemicals and as a component of some types of insulation.
Colemanite: Table of Properties
| Attribute | Colemanite (src) |
|---|---|
| Transparency | transparent, translucent |
| Chemical Formula | Ca2B6O11 |
| Chemical Composition | calcium borate |
| Specific Gravity | 2.42 |
| Hardness | 4.5 |
| Streak | white |
| Crystallography | monoclinic |
| Refractive Index | 1.586, 1.614 |
| Hydrous | Yes |
| Colors | common: white sometimes: yellow less common: brown, orange, colorless, gray |
| Category | inosilicate |
| Birefringence | δ = 0.028 |
| Fracture | 1: 1 |
Colemanite: FAQ
Q: Is colemanite toxic?A: No, colemanite is not toxic.
Q: Is colemanite a rare mineral?
A: No, colemanite is not considered a rare mineral.
Q: Can colemanite be found in jewelry?
A: No, colemanite is not commonly used in jewelry.
Q: Is colemanite expensive?
A: The cost of colemanite varies depending on the source and the intended use.
Sources
Mineralogy Database. (n.d.). Colemanite Mineral Data. Retrieved from http://www.mindat.org/min-1071.htmlWebmineral. (n.d.). Colemanite Mineral Data. Retrieved from http://www.webmineral.com/data/Colemanite.shtml
- Colemanite: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colemanite
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