M i n e r a l s
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SilicateAntigorite
Mg3Si2O5(OH)4 Other names/forms: Serpentine |
Most distinguishing features: Lustre, colour and habit are indicative. |
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SilicateBiotite
K(Mg,Fe)3(AlSi3O10)(OH)2 |
Most distinguishing features: Colour and habit Industrial/economical uses: Altered into vermiculite, biotite is used as an insulation material and as filler in certain building supplies. |
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SilicateChlorite
(Mg,Fe,Al)3(Si,Al)4O10(OH)2 |
Most distinguishing features: Colour and its low hardness are distinguishing characteristics. Industrial/economical uses: None, however chlorite schist sometimes does have ornamental uses. |
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SilicateChrysotile
Mg3Si2O5(OH)4 Other names/forms: Serpentine |
Most distinguishing features: Habit and colour and most indicative properties. Industrial/economical uses: Used in 98% of world's production of asbestos. |
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SilicateKaolinite
Al2Si2O5(OH)4 |
Most distinguishing features: Distinctive "clayey" smell, hardness and colour are indicative. Industrial/economical uses: Paper coating/filler, drilling mud additive, ceramics, cosmetics, building supplies, cement, pharmaceuticals and even food. |
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SilicateMuscovite
KAl2(AlSi3O10)(OH)2 |
Most distinguishing features: Colour and habit are best indicators. Industrial/economical uses: Used in the electronics industry in the manufacture of capacitors, transistors, insulators and certain window types. Also used as a filler in building materials. |
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SilicateTalc
Mg3Si4O10(OH)2 |
Most distinguishing features: Mineral is very soft and are often compact masses. Colour is typical and varies to brown, green or gray. |
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