Nesquehonite | |
---|---|
General | |
Category | Carbonates |
Formula (repeating unit) | MgCO3·3H2O |
IMA symbol | Nes[1] |
Strunz classification | 5.CA.05 |
Dana classification | 13.1.5.1 |
Crystal system | Monoclinic |
Space group | P21/m |
Unit cell | a=7.705 Å, b=5.367 Å, c=12.121 Å, β=90.451° |
Identification | |
Colour | Colourless |
Cleavage | Perfect |
Mohs scale hardness | 2.5 |
Luster | Vitreous (if fresh) |
Diaphaneity | Translucent |
Specific gravity | 1.824-1.854 |
Density | 1.6 |
Birefringence | 0.114 |
Nesquehonite is a mineral of magnesium carbonate (MgCO
3). It represents the trihydrate of magnesium carbonate, and has the total formula MgCO3·3H2O
.[2]
It was described in 1890 by F. A. Genth and S. L. Penfield and is named after its type locality of Nesquehoning, Pennsylvania, where it was sampled from a coal mine.[2] Nesquehonite can form from the related pentahydrate Lansfordite by dehydration at room temperature.