 |
|
|
Colemanite forms in evaporite deposits together with other borates, and is one of the more stable of borate minerals. It is pyroelectric, and develops an electrical charge during a change of temperature. The crystal symmetry of prismatic monoclinic minerals would scientifically disqualify them from being pyroelectric, since pyroelectricity is directly related to crystal symmetry. This mineral is therefore regarded as a scientific oddity, as no satisfactory explanation has been given to how Colemanite is pyroelectric.
Colemanite was named after William T. Coleman, a mine owner who lived in San Francisco. |
|
|
Chemical Formula |
Ca2B6O11 ·
5H2O |
|
Composition |
Hydrous calcium borate |
|
Color |
Colorless to white, yellow, brown |
|
Streak |
White |
|
Hardness |
4 - 4.5 |
|
Crystal System |
Monoclinic |
|
|
|
Crystal Forms
and Aggregates |
In large and well-formed bipyramidal and prismatic crystals. Crystals may also be platy, and may be in grainy aggregates. Also as groups of thin, long, bipyramidal crystals, massive, as spiky aggregates, and in drusy linings of geodes. |
|
Transparency |
Transparent to translucent |
|
Specific Gravity |
2.4 |
|
Luster |
Vitreous to adamantine |
|
Cleavage |
1,1 ; 3,1 |
|
Fracture |
Uneven |
|
Tenacity |
Brittle |
|
Other ID Marks |
Often fluorescent pale white in shortwave ultraviolet light. |
|
Complex Tests |
May develop dust on certain crystal faces due to a pyroelectric charge. |
|
In Group |
Borates; Hydrous Borates |
|
Striking Features |
Crystal shape, hardness, cleavage, and occurrences |
| Environment |
Borax evaporite deposits in dry lakes of arid regions. |
| Rock Type |
Sedimentary |
|
Popularity (1-4)
|
2 |
|
Prevalence (1-3)
|
2 |
|
Demand (1-3) |
1 |
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
Colemanite has many important uses. It is a significant ore of boron, and was the most important ore prior to the discovery of Kernite in 1926. It is also used in the manufacture of heat resistant glass, and has other industrial, medicinal, and cosmetic uses. It is a popular collector mineral.
|
Some of the largest deposits of Colemanite are in the the Southwestern U.S. Very large crystals come from Death Valley, Inyo Co., California. Crystal-filled nodules associated with Celestine were found in the Calico district in San Bernardino Co., California. Other California Colemanite deposits are Boron, in the Kramer District, Kern Co.; Tick Canyon, Lang, Los Angeles Co; and the Boraxo Mine, Inyo Co. In Nevada, it comes from the Muddy Mountains, Clark Co.
Colemanite localities outside the U.S. include Bigadic, Marmara Region, Turkey; the dry lake deposits in the Atacama Desert of Chile; Salinas Grandes, Argentina; and the Indebor Deposit, Kazakhstan.
|
Celestine - Lower hardness, higher specific gravity.
Calcite - Lower hardness, has perfect rhombohedral cleavage.Datolite - Different mode of occurrence.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Have a question about Colemanite? Visit our Q&A Community and ask the experts!
|
|
|
|
Let us know how we can update this page
(Click for more details)
|
|
We strive for accurate content and locality information. If you feel any of the content is incorrect, or if you feel we are missing vital locality information, please fill out the form below so we can update the site. If you are requesting a locality be added, please only include significant locality occurences for the mineral.
|
 |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
