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Huntite

A species of Minerals

Huntite is a carbonate mineral with the chemical formula Mg3Ca(CO3)4. Huntite crystallizes in the trigonal system and typically occurs as platy crystals and powdery masses. The most common industrial use of huntite is as a natural mixture with hydromagnesite as a flame retardant or fire retardant additive for polymers.

Hardness:

1 - 2

Density:

2.87 g/cm³

General Info About Huntite

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Physical Properties of Huntite

Colors

White

Streak

White

Hardness

1 - 2 , Extremely soft

Density

2.87 g/cm³, Normal Weight

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Chemical Properties of Huntite

Formula

CaMg₃(CO₃)₄

Elements listed

C, Ca, Mg, O

Characteristics of Huntite

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Characteristics of Huntite

Huntite often occurs in combination with other Mg/Ca carbonates such as dolomite, magnesite, and hydromagnesite. Large deposits of huntite occur in Turkey and Greece and these are commercially exploited because of its fire retardant properties. Huntite thermally decomposes over a temperature range of about 450–800 °C, releasing carbon dioxide and leaving a residue of magnesium and calcium oxides.

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