AllMineralsRock
Kernite
Kernite is a popular mineral composed of sodium borate. [1]
Kernite: Quick Facts and Characteristics
Some quick facts for Kernite:- Transparency: Kernite can be opaque, translucent or transparent.
- Crystallography: In terms of crystallography, kernite is monoclinic.
- Luster: In terms of luster, kernite can be dull, silky or vitreous (glassy).
- Streak: Kernite streaks white.
- Hardness: Kernite's hardness is 3 on the Moh's scale.
- Specific Gravity: Kernite's specific gravity ranges from 1.9 to 2.
Kernite: Background and Summary
Kernite is a mineral that is commonly found in evaporite deposits, which consist of minerals that are left behind after water evaporates from a solution. It has a chemical formula of Na2B4O6(OH)2·3H2O and is also known as rasorite. Kernite is typically white or colorless, and it has a hardness of 2.5 on the Mohs scale. It is translucent and has a vitreous luster.One way to identify kernite is by its crystal form. It typically occurs as elongated prismatic crystals that are flattened along one axis. These crystals can be up to 10 centimeters in length. Kernite can also occur as massive, granular, or fibrous aggregates. It has a specific gravity of 1.9 to 2.0.
Kernite has many uses, primarily in the production of boron compounds. Boron is an essential element for plants, and it is also used in the manufacturing of glass, ceramics, and other materials. Kernite is a source of boron, and it is often mined for this purpose. Kernite is also used as a flux in metallurgy, as a fertilizer, and as a component in some chemical reagents.
Kernite: Table of Properties
| Attribute | Kernite (src) |
|---|---|
| Transparency | transparent, translucent, opaque |
| Chemical Formula | Na2B4O7 |
| Chemical Composition | sodium borate |
| Specific Gravity | 1.9, 2 |
| Hardness | 3 |
| Streak | white |
| Crystallography | monoclinic |
| Hydrous | Yes |
| Colors | common: gray sometimes: white, colorless |
| Category | inosilicate |
| Birefringence | δ =0.0340 |
Kernite: FAQ
Q: Is kernite toxic?A: Kernite is not toxic, but it can be irritating to the skin and eyes.
Q: Where is kernite found?
A: Kernite is found in evaporite deposits in several locations around the world, including California, Nevada, and Turkey.
Q: Can kernite be used in jewelry?
A: Kernite is not commonly used in jewelry due to its low hardness and lack of color.
Sources
- Mindat.org: Kernite- Geology.com: Kernite
- USGS: Boron Statistics and Information
- Kernite: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kernite
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