Hydroboracite is a hydrated borate mineral (hence the name) of calcium and magnesium, whose chemical composition is CaMgB6O8(OH)6·3H2O. It was discovered in 1834 in the Inder lake, Atyrau Province, Kazakhstan. Hydroboracite is a minor borate ore mineral.
Hydroboracite | |
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General | |
Category | Inoborates |
Formula (repeating unit) | CaMgB6O8(OH)6·3H2O |
IMA symbol | Hbo[1] |
Strunz classification | 6.CB.15 |
Crystal system | Monoclinic |
Crystal class | Prismatic (2/m) (same H-M symbol) |
Space group | P2/c |
Unit cell | a = 11.76, b = 6.68 c = 8.23 [Å]; β = 102.59°; Z = 2 |
Identification | |
Colour | Colourless, white |
Mohs scale hardness | 2 |
Luster | Vitreous, silky |
Diaphaneity | Transparent |
Optical properties | Biaxial (+) |
Refractive index | nα = 1.520 – 1.523 nβ = 1.534 – 1.535 nγ = 1.569 – 1.571 |
Birefringence | δ = 0.049 |
2V angle | Measured: 60° to 66°, calculated: 62° to 66° |
Dispersion | Relatively weak |
Solubility | Very poorly soluble in cold water. Partially dissolved by prolonged submersion in boiling water. |
References | [2][3] |
References
edit- ^ 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.
- ^ Webmineral data
- ^ Mindat