Vaterite
CaCO₃

     Vaterite is extremely rare at MSH.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS:

Color is usually white.
Luster is vitreous.
Diaphaneity is transparent.
Crystal System is hexagonal, P6₃/mmc.
Crystal Habits include flat sheets and silky crystals.
Cleavage is good.
Fracture is (??).
Hardness is 3.
Specific Gravity is approximately 2.6 g/cm³.
Streak is white.
Associated Minerals include shortite.
Distinguishing Features: Crystal habits.
Origin: Named in 1911 after Heinrich Vater, German professor
   of mineralogy.

CLASSIFICATION:

REFERENCES:
Dana 8:440 (1997)

DISTRIBUTION AND RARITY AT MONT SAINT-HILAIRE:

Legend