Adelite

Arsenate mineral
(repeating unit)CaMg(AsO4)(OH)IMA symbolAde[1]Strunz classification8.BH.35Dana classification41.5.1.1Crystal systemOrthorhombicCrystal class2 2 2 – DisphenoidalSpace groupP212121IdentificationColorColourless, white, grey, bluish grey, yellowish grey, yellow, pale green, pinkish brown, brownCrystal habitElongate crystals, massiveCleavageNone observedMohs scale hardness5LusterVitreous, greasyDiaphaneityTransparent, translucentSpecific gravity3.73 to 3.79Optical propertiesBiaxial (+), colorless (transmitted light)References[2]

The rare mineral adelite, is a calcium, magnesium, arsenate with chemical formula CaMgAsO4OH. It forms a solid solution series with the vanadium-bearing mineral gottlobite. Various transition metals substitute for magnesium and lead replaces calcium leading to a variety of similar minerals in the adelite–duftite group.

Adelite forms variably colored (blue, green, yellow and grey) crystals in the orthorhombic crystal system. The form is typically massive. It has a Mohs hardness rating of 5 and a specific gravity of 3.73 to 3.79.

It was first described in 1891 from Värmland, Sweden. Its name comes from the Greek word for indistinct.

Geologic occurrence

Adelite has been found in ore deposits in Algeria, Germany, Italy, Sweden and the US.[2]

See also

References

Look up adelite in Wiktionary, the free dictionary.
  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 Mindat.org
  • Mindat.org
  • Webmineral data

Bibliography

  • Palache, P.; Berman H.; Frondel, C. (1960). "Dana's System of Mineralogy, Volume II: Halides, Nitrates, Borates, Carbonates, Sulfates, Phosphates, Arsenates, Tungstates, Molybdates, Etc. (Seventh Edition)" John Wiley and Sons, Inc., New York, pp. 804–806.


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