Canasite

Canasite is a mineral whose name is derived from its chemical composition of calcium (Ca), sodium (Na), and silicon (Si). It was approved in 1959 by IMA.

Canasite
General
CategoryMineral
Formula
(repeating unit)
K3Na3Ca5Si12O30(OH)4
IMA symbolCns
Strunz classification09.DG.80
Dana classification78.05.04.01
Crystal systemMonoclinic
Crystal classMonoclinic-Prismatic
Unit cell1,596.05
Identification
ColorBrownish Yellow, Green Yellow, Light Green
TwinningPolysynthetic
CleavagePerfect 1 direction, good 1 direction
FractureSplintery
Mohs scale hardness5 - 6
LusterVitreous
StreakWhite, Clear
DiaphaneityTransparent, translucent
Specific gravity2.707
Density2.707
Optical propertiesBiaxial (-)
Refractive indexnα = 1.534
nβ = 1.538
nγ = 1.543
Birefringence0.009
PleochroismNone
2V angleMeasured 58°
Calculated 84°
DispersionWeak
r > v
FusibilityEasily fusible to a transparent glass
SolubilityReadily decomposed by acids
Other characteristics Radioactive 1.12% (K)
Major varieties
FluorcanasiteK3Na3Ca5Si12O30F4 · H2O
FrankameniteK3Na3Ca5(Si12O30)[F,(OH)]4·(H2O)
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