Fontarnauite is a relatively recently described, rare sulfate, borate mineral with the chemical formula (Na,K)2(Sr,Ca)(SO4)[B5O8(OH)]·2H2O. It is found in an evaporite boron deposit. It coexists with other evaporite boron minerals, especially probertite. It is monoclinic, crystallizing in the space group P21/c.[4][2]

Fontarnauite
Fontarnauite, Anatolia, West Turkey
General
CategoryBorate minerals
Formula
(repeating unit)
(Na,K)2(Sr,Ca)(SO4)[B5O8(OH)]·2H2O
IMA symbolFon[1]
Strunz classification6.DA.60
Crystal systemMonoclinic
Crystal classPrismatic (2/m)
(same H-M symbol)
Space groupP21/c
Identification
ColorLight brown
CleavagePerfect {010}
Mohs scale hardness2.5 - 3
References[2][3]

It was named for Ramon Fontarnau i Griera, a materials scientist of the University of Barcelona.[2]

References

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  1. ^ Warr, L.N. (2021). "IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols". Mineralogical Magazine. 85 (3): 291–320. Bibcode:2021MinM...85..291W. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43. S2CID 235729616.
  2. ^ a b c Mindat
  3. ^ Mineralienatlas
  4. ^ García-Veigas, J., Rosell, L., Alcobé, X., Subias, I., Ortí, F., Gündoğan, İ., and Helvaci, C., 2010. Fontarnauite, a New Sulphate-Borate Mineral from the Emet Borate District (Turkey). Revista de la Sociedad Española de Mineralogía 13, 97-98