Desautelsite

General Information: Chemical Formula:Mg6Mn+++2(CO3)(OH)16·4(H2O) Composition:(Molecular Weight = 659.89 gm)Magnesium 22.10 % MgManganese 16.65 % MnHydrogen 3.67 % H Carbon 1.82 % C Oxygen 55.76 % O  Empirical Formula: Mg6Mn2+2(CO3)(OH)16·4(H2O) Environment:Imbedded in brucite and in serpentinites. IMA Status:Approved IMA 1979 Locality:TL: Cedar Hill Quarry, Lancaster County, Pennsyvania, USA. Artinite locality and old talc prospect, 1 mile NE of Paicacho Peak, San Benito Co. California. Name Origin:Named after Paul E. Desautels (1920-1991), curator of minerals at the U. S. National Museum of Natural History (Smithstonian Institution).Physical Properties: Cleavage:[0001] Perfect Color:bright orange. Density:2.13 Diaphaniety:Transparent Habits:Euhedral Crystals - Occurs as well-formed crystals showing good external form., Pseudo Hexagonal - Crystals show a hexagonal outline., Hardness:2 - Gypsum Luminescence:Non-fluorescent. Luster:Pearly Streak:light orangeMore details...