Humite

Humite is a mineral found in the volcanically ejected masses of Vesuvius. It was first described in 1813 and named for Abraham Hume (1749–1838).

Humite
Humite specimen, Italy
General
CategoryNesosilicates
Formula
(repeating unit)
(Mg,Fe)7(SiO4)3(F,OH)2.
IMA symbolHu
Strunz classification9.AF.50
Crystal systemOrthorhombic
Crystal classDipyramidal (mmm)
H–M Symbol: (2/m 2/m 2/m)
Space groupPbnm
Unit cella = 10.24, b = 20.72
c = 4.73 [Å]; Z = 4
Identification
ColorWhite, yellow, dark orange, brown
CleavagePoor
FractureUneven to subconchoidal
TenacityBrittle
Mohs scale hardness6–6.5
LusterVitreous
StreakWhite
DiaphaneityTransparent
Specific gravity3.20 – 3.32
Optical propertiesBiaxial (+)
Refractive indexnα =1.607–1.643, nβ=1.619–1.653, nγ=1.639–1.675
Birefringence0.0320
2V angleCalculated = 70–78°, measured = 68–81°
DispersionWeak, r > v
References
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