Vermiculite
(Mg,Fe⁺⁺,Al)₃(Al,Si)₄O₁₀(OH)₂ · 4 H₂O

     Vermiculite is a recently identified species from Mont Saint-Hilaire. More information will be available in early 2001.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS:

Color is usually colorless, green, gray white, or yellow brown.
Luster is vitreous or dull.
Diaphaneity is translucent.
Crystal System is monoclinic; C2/m.
Crystal Habits include (??).
Cleavage [001] is perfect.
Fracture is uneven.
Hardness is approximately 1.5 - 2.
Specific Gravity is ~ 2.5 g/cm³.
Streak is brown.
Associated Minerals include (??).
Distinguishing Features: (??).
Origin: Named in 1824 for vermiculor, in allusion to the swelling
     property of the mineral.

CLASSIFICATION:

REFERENCES:
Dana 8:1474-1476 (1997)

DISTRIBUTION AND RARITY AT MONT SAINT-HILAIRE:

Legend