Nesquehonite

Formula: Mg(HCO₃)(OH).2H₂O

Origin of name: after locality Nesquehoning, Pennsylvania, USA

Crystal system: monoclinic

Crystal class: 2/m

Twinning: Synthetic material is universally twinned on {001}

Unit cell: a = 12, b = 5.39, c = 7.68, β = 90.45°

Colour: colourless, white

Diaphaneity: Transparent to translucent

Luster: Vitreous, dull

Habit: Crystals prismatic, striated along c-axis, tufts of radiating acicular crystals, flattened radiating coatings, botryoidal

Hardness: 2.5

Specific gravity: 1.85

Cleavage: 2; {110} perfect, {001} distinct

Tenacity: Splintery fracture

Streak: White

Synonyms/varieties:

Comments:  Very slightly soluble in water, may fluoresce green under SW-UV