Formula: K AlSi2O6
Origin of name: From Greek for white
Crystal system: Tetragonal
Crystal class: 4/m
Twinning: Common on {110} or {101}, repeated
Unit cell: a = 13.06 Ǻ, c = 13.75 Ǻ
Colour: Colourless, white, gray
Diaphaneity:
Luster: Vitreous
Habit: Crystals trapezoidal, faces sometimes finely striated from twinning; disseminated grains; massive, granular
Hardness: 5.5 to 6
Specific gravity: 2.47 to 2.50
Cleavage: 1; {110} imperfect
Tenacity: Conchoidal; brittle
Streak: Colourless
Synonyms/varieties:
Comments:
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