Inderite | |
---|---|
General | |
Category | Mineral |
Formula (repeating unit) | MgB3O3(OH)5 · 5H2O |
IMA symbol | Idr[1] |
Strunz classification | 6.CA.15 |
Dana classification | 26.3.1.3 |
Crystal system | Monoclinic |
Crystal class | Prismatic (2/m) |
Space group | P21/b |
Unit cell | 1,041.64 ų |
Identification | |
Formula mass | 279.85 |
Color | Colorless, white, pink; colorless in transmitted light |
Cleavage | Perfect on {010}, on {110} good |
Fracture | Uneven |
Mohs scale hardness | 2.5 – 3 |
Luster | Vitreous, greasy, pearly, dull |
Diaphaneity | Transparent, translucent |
Density | 1.8 |
Optical properties | Biaxial (+) |
Refractive index | nα = 1.488 nβ = 1.491 nγ = 1.505 |
Birefringence | 0.017 |
Pleochroism | None |
2V angle | Measured 37°, calculated 52° |
Dispersion | Weak, r > v |
Ultraviolet fluorescence | None |
Solubility | Soluble in hydrochloric acid |
Other characteristics | Pearly on cleavages |
Inderite, also known as lesserite, is a mineral that was named after its source, the Inder lake, near the Inder Mountains in Kazakhstan.[2] The samples were described in English by the soviet mineralogist Boldyreva in 1937. It is a rare secondary mineral but common in salt, potassium and borate deposits.