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Steatite

UNB-2016-0532Minerals » Silicates » Phyllosilicates

Description

Two green compact samples of Steatite with a pearly lustre. Steatite (Mg3Si4O10(OH)2) is the greyish green or brown variety of Talc. Lustre is greasy or pearly and streak is white. Cleavage is perfect in one direction. Talc usually occurs as foliated or granular masses but can also be fibrous, compact or waxy.

Specifications

Object nameSteatite
IDUNB-2016-0532
Legal statusPermanent collection
CategoryMineral
Classification
Mineral group:
Silicates
Sub-group:
Phyllosilicates
Composition
  • (Al,Fe2+,Fe3+Li,Mg,Mn,Ni)5−6(Al,Fe3+,Si)4(O,OH)18
  • K(Fe,Mg)3AlSi3O10(OH)2
  • (Mg,Fe2+)5Al(Si3Al)O10(OH)8
  • Various (e.g., Muscovite - KAl2(AlSi3O10)(OH)2)
  • Al2Si2O5(OH)4
  • K(Li,Al)3(Al,Si,Rb)4O10(F,OH)2
  • Na2AlSi3O8·H2O
  • LiAlSi4O10
  • NaAl2(AlSi3O10)(OH)2
  • D3[Si2O5](OH)4
  • Mg3(Si2O5)(OH)4
  • KAl2(AlSi3O10)(F,OH)2
OriginSwain County, North Carolina, U.S.A.
Pieces2
PartialNo
Measurements
  • 0.8cm x 2.7cm x 2cm
  • 2cm x 4cm x 2.3cm

Map of Origin

Publications

  • Chesterman, C.W. 1979. Audubon Society, Field Guide to North American Rocks and Minerals. Knopf.