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Kaolinite

UNB-2017-0049Minerals » Silicates » Phyllosilicates

Description

Broken sample of white compact Kaolinite. Kaolinite (Al2Si2O5(OH)4) can be white, grey or yellowish in colour and has a dull lustre that is pearly on the cleavage. Streak is white and hardness is 2 to 2 1/2. Cleavage is perfect in one direction. Kaolinite is usually found as submicroscope grains, small plates or in compacted form. Can also be found as scaly crystals but this is rare.

Specifications

Object nameKaolinite
IDUNB-2017-0049
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
OriginDry Branch, Georgia, U.S.A.
Pieces2
PartialNo
Measurements
  • 5.5cm x 2.5cm x 3cm
  • 3.5cm x 1.8cm x 1.7cm

Map of Origin

Publications

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