Langbeinite

Langbeinite

Langbeinite in the History Museum, Truskavets
General
Category Sulfate mineral
Formula
(repeating unit)
K2Mg2(SO4)3
Strunz classification 7.AC.10
Crystal system Cubic
Tetartoidal class
Space group Isometric
H-M symbol: (23)
Space group: P213
Unit cell a = 9.92 Å; Z = 4
Identification
Color Colorless with pale shades of yellow, pink, red, green, gray
Crystal habit As nodules, disseminated grains, bedded massive
Fracture Conchoidal
Tenacity Brittle
Mohs scale hardness 3.5 - 4
Luster Vitreous
Diaphaneity Transparent
Specific gravity 2.83
Optical properties Isotropic
Refractive index n = 1.5329–1.5347
Solubility Slowly dissolves in water
Other characteristics Piezoelectric
References [1][2][3]

Langbeinite is a potassium magnesium sulfate mineral with the chemical formula K2Mg2(SO4)3. Langbeinite crystallizes in the isometric-tetartoidal system as transparent colorless or white with pale tints of yellow to green and violet crystalline masses. It has a vitreous luster. The Mohs hardness is 3.5 to 4 and the specific gravity is 2.83. The crystals are piezoelectric.[1]

The mineral is an ore of potassium and occurs in marine evaporite deposits in association with carnallite, halite and sylvite.[1]

It was first described in 1891 for an occurrence in Wilhelmshall, Halberstadt, Saxony-Anhalt, Germany, and named for A. Langbein of Leopoldshall, Germany.[1][2]

Langbeinite gives its name to the langbeinites, a family of substances with the same cubic structure, a tetrahedral anion, and large and small cations.

Related substances include hydrated salts leonite (K2Mg(SO4)2·4H2O) and picromerite (K2Mg(SO4)2·6H2O).

References

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