Parachrysotile
A structural variant of Chrysotile
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Formula:
Mg3(Si2O5)(OH)4
Hardness:
2½ - 3
Crystal System:
Orthorhombic
Name:
Named in 1956 by Eric James William Whittaker from the Greek παρα "para" = beyond and chrysotile for its relationship to the root name mineral.
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
3083
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:3083:6
IMA Classification of Parachrysotile
Discredited
Classification of Parachrysotile
14.4.7
14 : Silicates not Containing Aluminum
4 : Silicates of Mg
14 : Silicates not Containing Aluminum
4 : Silicates of Mg
Physical Properties of Parachrysotile
Hardness:
2½ - 3 on Mohs scale
Optical Data of Parachrysotile
Type:
Biaxial (-)
RI values:
nα = 1.545 - 1.569 nβ = 1.546 - 1.569 nγ = 1.553 - 1.571
2V:
Measured: 20° to 60°
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.002 - 0.008
Based on recorded range of RI values above.
Based on recorded range of RI values above.
Interference Colours:
The colours simulate birefringence patterns seen in thin section under crossed polars. They do not take into account mineral colouration or opacity.
Michel-Levy Bar The default colours simulate the birefringence range for a 30 µm thin-section thickness. Adjust the slider to simulate a different thickness.
Grain Simulation You can rotate the grain simulation to show how this range might look as you rotated a sample under crossed polars.
The colours simulate birefringence patterns seen in thin section under crossed polars. They do not take into account mineral colouration or opacity.
Michel-Levy Bar The default colours simulate the birefringence range for a 30 µm thin-section thickness. Adjust the slider to simulate a different thickness.
Grain Simulation You can rotate the grain simulation to show how this range might look as you rotated a sample under crossed polars.
Surface Relief:
Moderate
Dispersion:
relatively weak
Chemistry of Parachrysotile
Mindat Formula:
Mg3(Si2O5)(OH)4
Element Weights:
Elements listed:
Crystallography of Parachrysotile
Crystal System:
Orthorhombic
Cell Parameters:
a = 5.3 Å, b = 9.24 Å, c = 14.71 Å
Ratio:
a:b:c = 0.574 : 1 : 1.592
Unit Cell V:
720.38 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
4
Other Language Names for Parachrysotile
German:Parachrysotil
Other Information
Health Risks:
No information on health risks for this material has been entered into the database. You should always treat mineral specimens with care.
Internet Links for Parachrysotile
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-3083.html
Please feel free to link to this page.
Please feel free to link to this page.
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References for Parachrysotile
Localities for Parachrysotile
Showing 5 localities.
symbol to view information about a locality.
The Locality List
- This locality has map coordinates listed.
- This locality has estimated coordinates.
ⓘ - Click for references and further information on this occurrence.
? - Indicates mineral may be doubtful at this locality.
- Good crystals or important locality for species.
- World class for species or very significant.
(TL) - Type Locality for a valid mineral species.
(FRL) - First Recorded Locality for everything else (eg varieties).
All localities listed without proper references should be considered as questionable.
Eswatini | |
| Yada (1979) |
Germany | |
| Wittern (2001) |
South Africa | |
| Cairncross et al. (1995) |
USA | |
| Castor et al. (2004) |
Zimbabwe | |
| Mineralogical Society of America - ... |
