Anorthite

Anorthite
Anorthite crystals in a basalt vug from Vesuvius (size:6.9 × 4.1 × 3.8 cm)
General
CategoryTectosilicate minerals, feldspar group, plagioclase series
FormulaCaAl2Si2O8
IMA symbolAn[1]
Strunz classification9.FA.35
Crystal systemTriclinic
Crystal classPinacoidal (1)
(same H-M symbol)
Space groupP1
Unit cella = 8.1768, b = 12.8768
c = 14.169 [Å]; α = 93.17°
β = 115.85°, γ = 92.22°; Z = 8
Identification
Formula mass278.203 g·mol−1
ColorWhite, grayish, reddish
Crystal habitAnhedral to subhedral granular
TwinningCommon
CleavagePerfect [001] good [010] poor [110]
FractureUneven to conchoidal
TenacityBrittle
Mohs scale hardness6
LusterVitreous
StreakWhite
DiaphaneityTransparent to translucent
Specific gravity2.72–2.75
Optical propertiesBiaxial (−)
Refractive indexnα = 1.573–1.577 nβ = 1.580–1.585 nγ = 1.585–1.590
Birefringenceδ = 0.012–0.013
2V angle78° to 83°
Melting point1550 ± 2°C[2]
References[3][2][4][5]

Anorthite (an = not, ortho = straight) is the calcium endmember of the plagioclase feldspar mineral series. The chemical formula of pure anorthite is CaAl2Si2O8. Anorthite is found in igneous rocks.

  1. ^ Warr, L.N. (2021). "IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols". Mineralogical Magazine. 85 (3): 291–320. Bibcode:2021MinM...85..291W. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43. S2CID 235729616.
  2. ^ a b Rankin, George; Wright, Fred (1915). "The ternary system CaO-Al2O3-SiO2, with optical study by F.E. Wright". American Journal of Science (229): 1–79.
  3. ^ Handbook of Mineralogy
  4. ^ Mindat
  5. ^ Webmineral

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