Inderite

Inderite, also known as lesserite, is a mineral that was named after its source, the Inder lake, near the Inder Mountains in Kazakhstan. The samples were described in English by the soviet mineralogist Boldyreva in 1937. It is a rare secondary mineral but common in salt, potassium and borate deposits.

Inderite
General
CategoryMineral
Formula
(repeating unit)
MgB3O3(OH)5 · 5H2O
IMA symbolIdr
Strunz classification6.CA.15
Dana classification26.3.1.3
Crystal systemMonoclinic
Crystal classPrismatic (2/m)
Space groupP21/b
Unit cell1,041.64 ų
Identification
Formula mass279.85
ColorColorless, white, pink; colorless in transmitted light
CleavagePerfect on {010}, on {110} good
FractureUneven
Mohs scale hardness2.5 – 3
LusterVitreous, greasy, pearly, dull
DiaphaneityTransparent, translucent
Density1.8
Optical propertiesBiaxial (+)
Refractive indexnα = 1.488 nβ = 1.491 nγ = 1.505
Birefringence0.017
PleochroismNone
2V angleMeasured 37°, calculated 52°
DispersionWeak, r > v
Ultraviolet fluorescenceNone
SolubilitySoluble in hydrochloric acid
Other characteristicsPearly on cleavages
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