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Aerinite

A species of Minerals

Aerinite (Ca4(Al,Fe,Mg)10Si12O35(OH)12CO3·12H2O) is a bluish-purple inosilicate mineral. It crystallizes in the monoclinic system and occurs as fibrous masses and coatings. It has a dark, vitreous luster, a specific gravity of 2.48 and a Mohs hardness of 3. It is a low-temperature hydrothermal phase occurring in zeolite facies alteration of mafic rocks. Associated minerals include prehnite, scolecite and mesolite. Its name comes from a Greek root "aerinos," meaning "atmosphere" or "sky".

Hardness:

General Info About Aerinite

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Physical Properties of Aerinite

Colors

blue to blue-green

Streak

bluish white

Hardness

3 , Soft

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Chemical Properties of Aerinite

Formula

(Ca_5.1Na_0.5)(Fe³⁺,Al,Fe²⁺,Mg)₄(Al,Mg)₆[HSi₁₂O₃₆(OH)₁₂][(CO3)1.2(H2O)12]

According to Rius et al. (2009), the formula of the Fe³⁺-rich variety includes SO₃ (sulphite) substitution for carbonate.

Elements listed

Al, C, Ca, Fe, H, Mg, Na, O, Si

Common Impurities

Ti,Mn,Na,K,P

Characteristics of Aerinite

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