AllMineralsRock
Datolite
Datolite is a popular mineral composed of calcium boron hydroxide silicate. [1]
Datolite: Quick Facts and Characteristics
Some quick facts for Datolite:- Transparency: Datolite can be opaque, translucent or transparent.
- Crystallography: In terms of crystallography, datolite is monoclinic.
- Luster: In terms of luster, datolite can be dull, resinous, vitreous (glassy) or waxy.
- Streak: Datolite streaks colorless.
- Hardness: Datolite's hardness ranges from 5 to 5.5 on the Moh's scale.
- Specific Gravity: Datolite's specific gravity ranges from 2.8 to 3.
Datolite: Background and Summary
Datolite is a rare mineral that is a member of the zeolite family. It is typically found in granite and copper deposits, and is commonly associated with other minerals such as calcite, quartz, and epidote. Datolite is a translucent mineral that can range in color from white to pale green, yellow, pink, and brown. It has a vitreous to greasy luster, and can be identified by its characteristic tetragonal crystal structure.One of the primary uses of datolite is as a decorative stone. It is often cut and polished into cabochons, beads, and other jewelry components. The mineral's unique color and translucency make it a popular choice among collectors and jewelry makers alike. In addition to its aesthetic appeal, datolite is also used in the production of ceramics and as a flux in the smelting of copper ores.
To identify datolite, look for its characteristic tetragonal crystal structure and translucent appearance. The mineral is typically found in granite and copper deposits, and is commonly associated with other minerals such as calcite, quartz, and epidote. Datolite can be identified by its range of colors, which include white, pale green, yellow, pink, and brown. Its vitreous to greasy luster is also a helpful identifying characteristic.
Datolite: Table of Properties
| Attribute | Datolite (src) |
|---|---|
| Transparency | transparent, translucent, opaque |
| Chemical Formula | CaBSiO4(OH) |
| Chemical Composition | calcium boron hydroxide silicate |
| Specific Gravity | 2.8, 3 |
| Hardness | 5, 5.5 |
| Streak | colorless |
| Crystallography | monoclinic |
| Refractive Index | 1.622, 1.67 |
| Hydrous | No |
| Colors | common: green, red, brown, yellow sometimes: gray, pink, white, orange less common: pale, beige, colorless, multicolor |
| Category | nesosilicate |
| Birefringence | δ = 0.044 |
| Fracture | 1: 1 |
Datolite: FAQ
Q: Is datolite a common mineral?A: No, datolite is a relatively rare mineral that is primarily found in granite and copper deposits.
Q: What is datolite used for?
A: Datolite is primarily used as a decorative stone in jewelry making and as a flux in the smelting of copper ores.
Q: How can I identify datolite?
A: Look for its characteristic tetragonal crystal structure and translucent appearance. Datolite is typically found in granite and copper deposits, and is commonly associated with other minerals such as calcite, quartz, and epidote. It can be identified by its range of colors, which include white, pale green, yellow, pink, and brown.
Sources
- Mindat.org. (n.d.). Datolite Mineral Data. Retrieved from https://www.mindat.org/min-1216.html- Geology.com. (n.d.). Datolite. Retrieved from https://geology.com/minerals/datolite.shtml
- Datolite: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Datolite
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