Fe2+Al2(SO4)4 · 22H2O
Halotrichite, a member of the halotrichite group, found in Mont Saint-Hilaire is one of the rarest minerals in Canada.
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS:
Color is usually white.
Luster is silky.
Diaphaneity is transparent.
Crystal System is monoclinic; P2/m.
Crystal Habits include very fine bent silky fibers to 2mm.
Cleavage not observed.
Fracture is not apparent.
Hardness is 1.5
Specific Gravity is approximately 1.95 g/cm3.
Streak is white.
Associated Minerals include albite, pyrite, siderite and sphalerite.
Distinguishing Features: Crystal habit.
Origin: Named in 1839 from the Latin halotrichum, hair salt,
alluding to its silky hairlike habit.
CLASSIFICATION:
Dana System
# 29.7.3.2
Strunz Classification
# VI/C.12-20
REFERENCES:
MinRec 21:313-314 (1990), Dana 8:617 (1997)
DISTRIBUTION AND RARITY AT MONT SAINT-HILAIRE:
MSH PE AP MX SS MC HF BR SX FR
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