(Ca0.5,Na)0.33(Mg,Fe2+(Si,Al)10(OH) · 4H
Saponite is fairly rare at MSH.
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS:
Color is usually dark greenish-brown.
Luster is earthy to resinous.
Diaphaneity is transparent to translucent to opaque.
Crystal System is monoclinic; (??).
Crystal Habits include micaceous plates.
Cleavage {001} is perfect.
Fracture is not apparent due to cleavage.
Hardness is 1 – 2.
Specific Gravity is approximately 2.2 g/cm
Streak is white.
Associated Minerals include apophyllite series, calcite, pectolite
and vesuvianite.
Distinguishing Features: Crystal habit.
Origin: Named in 1758 from the Latin sapo, soap, alluding to its
greasy or soapy feel and appearance.
CLASSIFICATION:
Dana System
# 71.3.1b.3
Strunz Classification
# VIII/H.20-20
REFERENCES:
Dana 8:1489-1490 (1997)
DISTRIBUTION AND RARITY AT MONT SAINT-HILAIRE:
MSH
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