Vermiculite

(Mg,Fe++,Al)(Al,Si)10(OH) · 4 H

Vermiculite is a recently identified species from Mont Saint-Hilaire. More information will be available in early 2001.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS:

Color is usually colorless, green, gray white, or yellow brown.
Luster is vitreous or dull.
Diaphaneity is translucent.
Crystal System is monoclinic; 2/
Crystal Habits include (??).
Cleavage [001] is perfect.
Fracture is uneven.
Hardness is approximately 1.5 – 2.
Specific Gravity is ~ 2.5 g/cm
Streak is brown.
Associated Minerals include (??).
Distinguishing Features: (??).
Origin: Named in 1824 for vermiculor, in allusion to the swelling
property of the mineral.

CLASSIFICATION:

Dana System
# 71.2.2d.3

Strunz Classification
# VIII/H.21-20

REFERENCES:
Dana 8:1474-1476 (1997)

DISTRIBUTION AND RARITY AT MONT SAINT-HILAIRE:

MSH
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