Chemistry:Thomsenolite

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Thomsenolite
Thomsenolite and Ralstonite - Ivittuut, Arsuk Firth, Kitaa. West Greenland.jpg
Thomsenolite (obelisks) and some pseudocubic ralstonite (picture center)
General
CategoryHalide minerals
Formula
(repeating unit)
NaCaAlF6·H2O
Strunz classification3.CB.40
Crystal systemMonoclinic
Crystal classPrismatic (2/m)
(same H-M symbol)
Space groupP21/b
Identification
ColorColourless, white, pale lilac; brownish or reddish tinted due to staining; colourless in transmitted light.
CleavagePerfect
On {001}; {110} distinct.
FractureIrregular/ uneven
TenacityBrittle
Mohs scale hardness2
Vitreous, pearly|re|er}}Vitreous, pearly
StreakWhite
DiaphaneityTransparent, translucent
Density2.981 g/cm3

Thomsenolite is a mineral with formula: NaCaAlF6·H2O. It is an alteration product of cryolite.[2]

It was discovered in 1868 in Ivigtut, Greenland and named for Hans Peter Jorgen Julius Thomsen (1826–1909).[3]

References

  1. Warr, L.N. (2021). "IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols". Mineralogical Magazine 85 (3): 291–320. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43. Bibcode2021MinM...85..291W. 
  2. "Handbook of Mineralogy". http://www.handbookofmineralogy.com/pdfs/thomsenolite.pdf. 
  3. Mindat.org entry