AllMineralsRock
Meionite
Meionite is a popular mineral composed of calcium aluminum silicate carbonate. [1]
Meionite: Quick Facts and Characteristics
Some quick facts for Meionite:- Transparency: Meionite can be opaque, translucent or transparent.
- Crystallography: In terms of crystallography, meionite is tetragonal.
- Luster: In terms of luster, meionite can be dull or vitreous (glassy).
- Streak: Meionite streaks white.
- Hardness: Meionite's hardness ranges from 5 to 6 on the Moh's scale.
Meionite: Background and Summary
Meionite is a rare mineral that belongs to the group of silicate minerals known as the scapolites. It is named after the Greek word "meion" which means "less" due to its lower calcium content compared to other scapolite minerals. Meionite is usually found in metamorphic rocks, particularly in marbles and gneisses. It is known for its unique blue to violet color and its transparent to translucent appearance.Meionite has a chemical formula of Ca4Al6Si6O24CO3, which means that it contains calcium, aluminum, silicon, oxygen, and carbon. It has a hardness of 5-6 on the Mohs scale, which makes it relatively durable. Meionite can be identified by its distinct color, crystal habit, and its characteristic fluorescence under ultraviolet light. It is also distinguished from other scapolite minerals by its lower calcium content.
Meionite has several uses in the field of gemology and jewelry making. Due to its unique blue to violet color, it is sometimes used as a gemstone. However, meionite is quite rare and not commonly used in jewelry. It is also used in the manufacture of certain types of ceramics, such as high-temperature refractory materials. Meionite is also used as a source of calcium in the production of cement and other building materials.
Meionite: Table of Properties
| Attribute | Meionite (src) |
|---|---|
| Transparency | transparent, translucent, opaque |
| Chemical Formula | Ca4(Al6Si9O24)(CO3) |
| Chemical Composition | calcium aluminum silicate carbonate |
| Hardness | 5, 6 |
| Streak | white |
| Crystallography | tetragonal |
| Hydrous | No |
| Colors | common: blue, gray, brown less common: red, pink, cream, green, white, purple, violet, yellow, colorless |
| Category | tectosilicates |
| Fracture | 1: 1 |
Meionite: FAQ
Q: Is meionite a common mineral?A: No, meionite is a rare mineral that is usually found in metamorphic rocks.
Q: What is meionite used for?
A: Meionite is used as a gemstone and in the manufacture of ceramics and building materials.
Q: How can meionite be identified?
A: Meionite can be identified by its distinct blue to violet color, crystal habit, and fluorescence under ultraviolet light.
Sources
- Mindat.org. (n.d.). Meionite. Retrieved from https://www.mindat.org/min-2724.html- Webmineral.com. (n.d.). Meionite Mineral Data. Retrieved from http://www.webmineral.com/data/Meionite.shtml
- Meionite: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meionite
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