Canasite
Canasite is a mineral whose name is derived from its chemical composition of calcium (Ca), sodium (Na), and silicon (Si). It also contains fluorine, hydrogen, oxygen, and potassium. It was approved in 1959 by IMA. It occurs in Russia mostly. Purple canasite may be confused with stichtite, but recent research has found that the mineral advertized as canasite is a new specimen.[1] There are two varieties of canasite: fluorcanasite and frankamenite.
| Canasite | |
|---|---|
| General | |
| Category | Mineral |
| Formula (repeating unit) | K3Na3Ca5Si12O30(OH)4 |
| Crystal system | Monoclinic - Prismatic |
| Crystal class | Silicates |
| Identification | |
| Color | Brownish yellow, green yellow, light green. |
| Cleavage | Perfect 1 direction, good 1 direction |
| Fracture | Splintery |
| Mohs scale hardness | 5 - 6 |
| Luster | Vitreous |
| Streak | White |
| Diaphaneity | Transparent, translucent |
| Specific gravity | 2.707 |
| Optical properties | Biaxial(-) |
| Refractive index | 1.534-1.543 |
| Birefringence | 0.009 |
| Other characteristics |  Radioactive 6.22% (K) |
| Major varieties | |
| Fluorcanasite | K3Na3Ca5Si12O30F4 · H2O |
| Frankamenite | K3Na3Ca5(Si12O30)[F,(OH)]4·(H2O) |
References
- "Canasite Value, Price, and Jewelry Information". International Gem Society. Retrieved 2020-10-13.
External links
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