Wollastonite

Wollastonite is a popular mineral composed of calcium silicate. ^[1]

Wollastonite: Quick Facts and Characteristics

Some quick facts for Wollastonite:

• Transparency: Wollastonite can be translucent or transparent.
• Crystallography: In terms of crystallography, wollastonite can be monoclinic or triclinic.
• Luster: In terms of luster, wollastonite can be pearly, silky or vitreous (glassy).
• Streak: Wollastonite streaks white.
• Hardness: Wollastonite's hardness ranges from 4.5 to 5 on the Moh's scale.
• Specific Gravity: Wollastonite's specific gravity ranges from 2.8 to 3.09.

Wollastonite: Background and Summary

Wollastonite is a white to yellowish-brown mineral with a hardness of 4.5-5 on the Mohs scale. It is a calcium silicate mineral that is commonly found in metamorphic rocks such as skarns and contact metamorphic rocks. The mineral has a fibrous or needle-like crystal structure, which makes it easy to identify. It has a specific gravity of 2.8-3.1 and a refractive index of 1.62-1.64.

Wollastonite has many uses in various industries. One of the most common uses of wollastonite is as a filler in plastics, ceramics, and paints. Its fibrous structure makes it an ideal reinforcing agent in these materials, improving their strength and durability. Wollastonite is also used as a flux in the steel industry, where it helps to lower the melting point of iron ore. In addition, it is used as a soil conditioner in agriculture, where it helps to improve the soil's ability to retain water and nutrients.