Margarite

A variety of Minerals

Margarite specimen - rock identification

What is Margarite?

This article refers about a member of the mica group, and should not be confused with "margarita". Margarite is a calcium rich member of the mica group of the phyllosilicates with formula: CaAl2(Al2Si2)O10(OH)2. It forms white to pinkish or yellowish gray masses or thin laminae. It crystallizes in the monoclinic crystal system. It typically has a specific gravity of around 3 and a Mohs hardness of 4. It is translucent with perfect 010 cleavage and exhibits crystal twinning. It occurs commonly as an alteration product of corundum, andalusite and other aluminous minerals. It has been reported as forming alteration pseudomorphs of chiastolite along with muscovite and paragonite. The margarite in this occurrence forms preferentially along the dark graphite rich inclusions with the chiastolite crystals.

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Margarite Localities Map

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North ZoneCentral RidgeSouth Basin

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Quick Facts

Physical Properties

Color
Grayish, pale pink, yellow, green. Colorless in thin section.
Hardness (Mohs)
4
Density
3.077 g/cm³
Streak
White

Chemical Properties

Chemical Formula
CaAl2(Al2Si2O10)(OH)2
Elements
Al, Ca, H, O, Si

Also Known As

MargariteClingmaniteEmerylitePerlglimmer
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