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
Category Halide minerals
Formula NaCaAlF6·H2O
IMA symbol Tse [1]
Strunz classification 3.CB.40
Crystal system Monoclinic
Crystal class Prismatic (2/m)
(same H-M symbol)
Space group P21/b
Identification
ColorColourless, white, pale lilac; brownish or reddish tinted due to staining; colourless in transmitted light.
Cleavage Perfect
On {001}; {110} distinct.
Fracture Irregular/ uneven
Tenacity Brittle
Mohs scale hardness2
Lustre Vitreous, pearly
Streak White
Diaphaneity Transparent, translucent
Density 2.981 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. Bibcode:2021MinM...85..291W. doi: 10.1180/mgm.2021.43 . S2CID   235729616.
  2. "Handbook of Mineralogy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2019-05-08. Retrieved 2012-08-18.
  3. Mindat.org entry