Hanksite

Hanksite is a sulfate mineral, distinguished as one of only a handful that contain both carbonate and sulfate ions (a sulfate carbonate). It has the chemical formula Na22K(SO4)9(CO3)2Cl.

Hanksite
Hanksite crystal from Searles Lake
General
CategorySulfate minerals, sulfate carbonate
Formula
(repeating unit)
Na22K(SO4)9(CO3)2Cl
IMA symbolHks
Strunz classification7.BD.30
Crystal systemHexagonal
Crystal classDipyramidal (6/m)
H–M symbol: (6/m)
Space groupP63/m
Unit cella = 10.465(21) Å
c = 21.191(43) Å; Z = 2
Identification
ColorColorless to pale yellow, may be grayish green due to clay inclusions
Crystal habitOccurs as short prismatic to tabular hexagonal crystals
CleavageGood on {0001}
FractureUneven
TenacityBrittle
Mohs scale hardness3–3.5
LusterVitreous to dull
StreakWhite
DiaphaneityTransparent to translucent
Specific gravity2.562
Optical propertiesUniaxial (−)
Refractive indexnω = 1.481, nε = 1.461
Birefringenceδ = 0.020
Ultraviolet fluorescencePale yellow under LW UV
SolubilityReadily soluble in water
References
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