Amakinite

Formula:  (Fe,Mg)(OH)2

Origin of name:  For the Amakin expedition which prospected the Yakutian diamond deposits, Russia.

 

Crystal system:  Hexagonal

Crystal class:  -3 2/m

Twinning:

Unit cell: a = 6.917 Å, c = 14.52 Å

 

Colour:  Pale green to yellow-green, rapidly turns brown upon exposure to air due to the formation of Fe(OH)3

Diaphaneity:  Semi-transparent

Luster: Pearly

Habit:  Crystals as well-formed rhombohedrons, rare; typically in irregular grains

Hardness:  3.5 to 4

Specific gravity:  2.92-2.98

Cleavage: Poor, observed in some grains

Tenacity:

Streak:

 

Synonyms/varieties:

 

Comments: Member of the brucite group. Noted in drill core, in thin veins and pockets in kimberlite.

 

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