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Whitlockite

Whitlockite

A species of Minerals, Also known as Bobdownsite-whitlockite Series

Whitlockite is a mineral, an unusual form of calcium phosphate. Its formula is Ca9(MgFe)(PO4)6PO3OH. It is a relatively rare mineral but is found in granitic pegmatites, phosphate rock deposits, guano caves and in chondrite meteorites. It was first described in 1941 and named for Herbert Percy Whitlock (1868–1948), American mineralogist, Curator, American Museum of Natural History, New York City, NY, US. With regards to periodontal dentistry, magnesium whitlockite comprises one component of many of the inorganic content of calculus. It is found primarily in subgingival calculus (as opposed to supragingival calculus). It is also found more in posterior as opposed to anterior regions of the oral cavity.

Hardness
Hardness:

5

Density
Density:

3.102 g/cm³

General Info About Whitlockite

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Physical Properties of Whitlockite

Colors
Colourless, grey-white, light pink, light yellow, colourless in transmitted light.
Streak
White
Hardness
5 , Soft
Density
3.102 g/cm³, Normal Weight
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Chemical Properties of Whitlockite

Formula
Ca9Mg(PO4)6(PO3OH)
Elements listed
Ca, H, Mg, O, P

Optical Properties of Whitlockite

Optical Character
Uniaxial negative

Characteristics of Whitlockite

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Characteristics of Whitlockite

Each of the phases of whitlockite described above exhibit approximately the same physical properties. They display no cleavage, fracture subconchoidal to uneven, and tend to be brittle. They are classified with a hardness of 5 and a density of 3.12 g/cm. Color varieties are colorless, white, gray, yellowish or pinkish, and can be transparent to translucent. Whitlockites exhibit a vitreous to resinous luster. The typical habit of whitlockite is rhombohedral crystals, but whitlockite can also rarely be tabular. The crystal habit of whitlockite also ranges from coarse granular to earthy.

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