Saliotite

(Li,Na)Al₃(AlSi₃O₁₀)(OH)₅IMA symbolSal^[1]Strunz classification9.EC.60Crystal systemMonoclinicCrystal classPrismatic (2/m)
(same H-M symbol)Space groupC2/mUnit cella = 5.15 Å, b = 8.91 Å
c = 23.83 Å; β = 94.23°; Z = 4IdentificationColorColorless to whiteCleavagePerfect on {001}Mohs scale hardness2 - 3LusterPearlyStreakWhiteDiaphaneityTransparentSpecific gravity2.75Optical propertiesBiaxial (-)Refractive indexn_α = 1.580 - 1.590 n_β = 1.580 - 1.590 n_γ = 1.590 - 1.600Birefringenceδ = 0.0102V angle30° to 50°References^[2][3]

Saliotite is a rare colorless to pearl white phyllosilicate mineral in the smectite group with formula (Li,Na)Al₃(AlSi₃O₁₀)(OH)₅.^[2] It is an ordered 1:1 interstratification of cookeite and paragonite. It has perfect cleavage, a pearly luster and leaves a white streak. Its crystal structure is monoclinic, and it is a soft mineral with a hardness rated 2-3 on the Mohs scale.^[2][3]

Saliotite was first described in 1994 for an occurrence in an outcrop of high grade schist north of Almeria, Andalusia, Spain. It was named for French geologist Pierre Saliot.^[2]

References

External links

• Saliotite on euromin.w3sites.net (French)