Antarcticite

General Information:
 Chemical Formula:
CaCl2·6(H2O)
 Composition:
(Molecular Weight = 219.08 gm)
Calcium 18.29 % Ca
Hydrogen 5.52 % H 
Chlorine 32.37 % Cl
Oxygen 43.82 % O 
 Empirical Formula:
CaCl2·6(H2O)
 Environment:
Calcium chloride rich brines at saturation in cool weather..
 IMA Status:
Approved IMA 1965
 Locality:
Saline lakes located in the dry valleys of Antarctica. Bristol Lake, Mojave Co., California.
 Name Origin:
Named after the continent of Antarctica.
Physical Properties:
 Cleavage:
[0001] Perfect, [1010] Very Good
 Color:
colorless.
 Density:
1.705 - 1.725, Average = 1.71
 Diaphaniety:
Transparent
 Habits:
Crystalline - Coarse - Occurs as well-formed coarse sized crystals., Acicular - Occurs as needle-like crystals., Deliquescent - Crystals absorb water from the air and melt or otherwis e deteriorate.
 Hardness:
2-3 - Gypsum-Calcite
 Luster:
Vitreous (Glassy)
 Streak:
white
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