Kalifersite

General Information:
 Chemical Formula:
(K,Na)5Fe+++7Si20O50(OH)6·12(H2O)
 Environment:
In a hydrothermally altered pegmatite. Polysomatic series with palygorskite and sepiolite.
 IMA Status:
Approved IMA (Dana # Added)
 Locality:
Mt. Kukisvumchorr, Khibina massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia.
 Name Origin:
For the chemical composition: KALIum (Potassium), FERrum (Iron), and SIlicium (Silicon).
Physical Properties:
 Cleavage:
[100] Good, [010] Good
 Color:
brownish pink.
 Density:
2.28 - 2.37, Average = 2.32
 Diaphaniety:
Translucent
 Habits:
Fibrous - Crystals made up of fibers., ,
 Hardness:
2 - Gypsum
 Luminescence:
Non-fluorescent.
 Luster:
Silky
 Streak:
white
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