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Kernite was first discovered in 1926 in the Kramer District in Boron, California, in an enormous, underground deposit. Almost immediately, its commercial importance was recognized and it became the most significant source of the chemical borax, becoming an even greater ore than the mineral Borax itself. Many more Kernite deposits probably exist deep below the surface in large borate deposits, and when discovered can be of economic importance. Kernite does not keep well in collections, being that it is efflorescent, meaning it loses the water in its crystal structure if not stored properly. Effects of efflorescence are the appearance of white powder on the surface and formation of cloudy cracks, which cause the specimen to become opaque and dull. In severe cases of efflorescence, Kernite crumbles into a white powder. |
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Chemical Formula |
Na2B4O7 ·
4H2O |
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Composition |
Hydrous sodium borate |
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Color |
Colorless, white, light gray |
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Streak |
White |
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Hardness |
3 |
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Crystal System |
Monoclinic |
Crystal Forms
and Aggregates |
Occurs in thick, solid veins. Striated crystals may be obtained from these veins. Thin, long, and fragile cleavage fragments of these crystals are also found. Also massive, columnar, and as bundles of long, striated crystals. |
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Transparency |
Transparent to opaque |
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Specific Gravity |
1.9 - 2.0 |
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Luster |
Vitreous, silky, dull |
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Cleavage |
1,1 - prismatic |
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Fracture |
Splintery |
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Tenacity |
Brittle |
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Other ID Marks |
1) Soluble in water.
2) Has a sweetish, metallic taste.
3) Develops a white powder on its surface upon prolonged exposure to air. |
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In Group |
Borates; Hydrous Borates |
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Striking Features |
Location and taste |
| Environment |
Borax evaporite deposits in dry lakes of arid regions, deep below the surface and compacted from pressure.
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| Rock Type |
Sedimentary |
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Popularity (1-4)
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2 |
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Prevalence (1-3)
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2 |
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Demand (1-3) |
1 |
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After its discovery, Kernite became the principle source of borax and other boron compounds. It yields more of the chemical borax than the actual mineral Borax, since it contains less water than the mineral Borax.
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The initial discovery of Kernite was in a deposit several hundred feet below the earth in Boron, in the Kramer District, Kern Co., California. For a long time, it was the only occurrence of this mineral. Enormous masses, some reaching 30 feet (9 meters) were obtained from there. Other Kernite deposits exist in the Tincalayu Mine, Salta, Argentina; and in Kirka, Turkey.
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The taste and occurences of Kernite can distinguish it from any mineral.
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Have a question about Kernite? Visit our Q&A Community and ask the experts!
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