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Muscovite

UNB-2017-0034Minerals » Silicates » Phyllosilicates

Description

Large subhedral tabular yellowish/brownish Muscovite that is slightly hexagonal in outline. Pearly lustre. Muscovite (KAl3Si3O10(OH)2) can be white, yellowish, greenish, pink, brownish, multicoloured or colourless. Lustre is vitreous or pearly and streak is colourless. Hardness is 2 to 2 1/2 and cleavage is perfect in one direction. Muscovite is commonly found as tabular form that is hexagonal outline, foliated, flaky, fine scaly to fibrous.

Specifications

Object nameMuscovite
IDUNB-2017-0034
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
OriginUnknown
Pieces1
PartialNo
Measurements
  • 0.5cm x 10.8cm x 12cm

Publications

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