Howlite

Howlite, a calcium borosilicate hydroxide (Ca2B5SiO9(OH)5), is a borate mineral found in evaporite deposits.

Howlite
General
CategoryInoborates
Formula
(repeating unit)
Ca2B5SiO9(OH)5
IMA symbolHow
Strunz classification6.CB.20
Dana classification25.3.5.1
Crystal systemMonoclinic
Crystal classPrismatic (2/m)
(same H-M symbol)
Space groupP21/c
Unit cella = 12.82 Å, b = 9.351(1) Å
c = 8.608(2) Å; β = 104.84(2)°; Z = 4
Identification
ColorWhite, colorless
Crystal habitMassive to nodular, occurs as tabular prisms flattened parallel to [100]
CleavageNone
FractureConchoidal, uneven
Mohs scale hardness3.5
LusterSubvitreous, glimmering
Streakwhite
DiaphaneityTranslucent
Specific gravity2.53 – 2.59
Optical propertiesBiaxial (−), colorless (transmitted light)
Refractive indexnα = 1.583 – 1.586 nβ = 1.596 – 1.598 nγ = 1.600
Birefringenceδ = 0.017
2V angle73°
References
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