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Pirssonite crystals – 5mm© Gilles Haineault
NaCa(CO · 2H
Pirssonite is another rare species from MSH.
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS:
Color is usually colorless to yellow.
Luster is vitreous.
Diaphaneity is transparent.
Crystal System is orthorhombic; Fdd2.
Crystal Habits include prismatic crystals and diamond shaped
cross-sections.
Cleavage none.
Fracture is conchoidal.
Hardness is 3 – 3.5
Specific Gravity is approximately 2.35 g/cm
Streak is white.
Associated Minerals include analcime, calcite, feldspar group,
galena, halite and kogarkoite.
Distinguishing Features: Crystal habits.
Origin: Named in 1896 after Louis Valentine Pirsson (1860-1919),
American professor of geology.
CLASSIFICATION:
Dana System
# 15.2.1.1
Strunz Classification
# V/D.02-50
REFERENCES:
Dana 8:465 (1997)
DISTRIBUTION AND RARITY AT MONT SAINT-HILAIRE:
MSH
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