Moganite

Moganite is an oxide mineral with the chemical formula SiO2 (silicon dioxide) that was discovered in 1984. It crystallises in the monoclinic crystal system. Moganite is considered a polymorph of quartz: it has the same chemical composition as quartz, but a different crystal structure. In 1994, the International Mineralogical Association (IMA) had disapproved it as being a separate mineral because it was not clearly distinguishable from quartz. It has only recently (1999) been approved as a valid mineral by the CNMNC, the Commission on New Minerals, Nomenclature and Classification (part of the IMA). Its IMA number is (CNMMN, No. 99-035). This mineral has been mainly found in dry locales such as Gran Canaria and Lake Magadi. It has been reported from a variety of locations in Europe, India and the United States. It was named for the municipality of Mogán on Gran Canaria. Physically, it has a Mohs hardness of about 6, a dull luster and appears as a semitransparent gray in color.