Chemistry:Berborite

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Berborite
Berborite & Natrolite.jpg
Berborite on natrolite
General
CategoryBorate minerals
Formula
(repeating unit)
Be2(BO3)(OH,F)•H2O
Strunz classification6.AB.10
Dana classification26.1.1.1
Crystal system1T polytype: Trigonal
2H polytype: Hexagonal
2T polytype: Trigonal
Crystal class1T polytype: Pyramidal (3)
2H polytype: Pyramidal (6)
2T polytype: Ditrigonal pyramidal (3m)
Space group1T polytype: P3 (no. 143)
2H polytype: P63 (no. 173)
2T polytype: P3c1 (no. 158)
Unit cella = 4.43 Å, c = 5.34 Å;
Z = 2; V = 90.76 Å3 (2H polytype)
Identification
ColorColorless
TwinningComplex
Cleavage{0001} Perfect
FractureUneven - Flat surfaces (not cleavage) fractured in an uneven pattern.
Mohs scale hardness3
|re|er}}Vitreous (Glassy)
Streakwhite
DiaphaneityTransparent
Density2.2
Optical propertiesUniaxial (-)
Refractive indexnω = 1.580 nε = 1.485
Birefringenceδ = 0.095
Ultraviolet fluorescencenone
References[1][2][3][4]

Berborite is a beryllium borate mineral with the chemical formula Be2(BO3)(OH,F)·(H2O). It is colorless and leaves a white streak. Its crystals are hexagonal to pyramidal. It is transparent and has vitreous luster. It is not radioactive. Berborite is rated 3 on the Mohs Scale.[2]

Berborite occurs in 1T, 2T, 2H polytypes.[3]

It was first described in 1967 for an occurrence in the Lupikko Mine, Ladoga Region Karelia Republic, Russia . It has also been reported from Tvedalen, Larvik, Vestfold, and Siktesøya Island, Langesundsfjord, Porsgrunn, Telemark, Norway .[1][3] It occurs in serpentine altered dolomite in association with skarn enriched in tungsten, strontium, beryllium and boron in the Karelia occurrence and in vugs with natrolite and thomsonite in Norway.[2][3]

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 Mindat.org http://www.mindat.org/min-629.html
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 Webmineral.com http://www.webmineral.com/data/Berborite.shtml
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 Handbook of Mineralogy
  4. Mineralienatlas
  5. Warr, L.N. (2021). "IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols". Mineralogical Magazine 85 (3): 291–320. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43. Bibcode2021MinM...85..291W.