Moganite | |
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General | |
Category | Tectosilicates, quartz group |
Formula | SiO2 |
IMA symbol | Mog[1] |
Strunz classification | 4.DA.20 |
Dana classification | 75.01.04.02 |
Crystal system | Monoclinic |
Crystal class | Prismatic (2/m) (same H–M symbol) |
Space group | I2/a |
Identification | |
Color | Grey |
Crystal habit | Massive |
Mohs scale hardness | 6 |
Luster | Earthy, dull |
Streak | White |
Diaphaneity | Transparent |
Specific gravity | 2.52 – 2.58 |
Optical properties | Biaxial |
Refractive index | nα = 1.524 nγ = 1.531 |
References | [2][3][4] |
Moganite is a tectosilicate mineral with the chemical formula SiO2 (silicon dioxide) that was discovered in 1976. It was initially described as a new form of silica from specimens found in the Barranco de Medio Almud, in the municipality of Mogán on the island of Gran Canaria, in the Canary Islands (Spain),[5] receiving in a later work the name derived from this locality.[6] In 1994 the International Mineralogical Association decided to disapprove it as a valid mineral, since it was considered indistinguishable from quartz.[7] Subsequent studies allowed the IMA to rectify it in 1999, accepting it as a mineral species.[8] It has the same chemical composition as quartz, but a different crystal structure.[4]
This mineral has been mainly found in dry locales such as Gran Canaria and Lake Magadi.[9] It has been reported from a variety of locations in Europe, India and the United States.[3] Physically, it has a Mohs hardness of about 6, a dull luster and appears as a semitransparent gray in color.
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