Xonotlite

Xonotlite is a mineral with the chemical formula Ca6Si6O17(OH)2. It crystallizes in the monoclinic - prismatic crystal system with typically an acicular crystal form or habit. It can be colorless, gray, light gray, lemon white, or pink. It is transparent with a vitreous to silky luster. It leaves a white streak. Xonotlite is rated 6.5 on the Mohs scale of hardness. It was first described in 1866 and named for its occurrence in Tetela de Xonotla, Puebla, Mexico. It occurs as veins in serpentinite and contact metamorphism aureoles.

Xonotlite from Italy.
Xonotlite
Combination piece with radial fibrous inesite and xonotlite
General
CategoryInosilicates
Formula
(repeating unit)
Ca6Si6O17(OH)2
Strunz classification9.DG.35
Dana classification66.3.1.1
Crystal systemMonoclinic
Crystal classPrismatic (2/m)
(same H-M symbol)
Space groupP2/a

References

This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.