
General Information:

Chemical Formula:
Ca5MgB24O42·30(H2O)

Composition:
(Molecular Weight = 1,696.57 gm)
Calcium 11.81 %
CaMagnesium 1.43 %
MgBoron 15.29 %
B Hydrogen 3.56 %
H Oxygen 67.90 %
O 
Empirical Formula:
Ca5MgB24O42·30(H2O)

Environment:
Continental borate-bearing evaporite deposits.

IMA Status:
Approved IMA 1970

Locality:
Furnace Creek district, Inyo County, and Boron, Kern County, California, USA

Name Origin:
Named for Ward C. Smith (1906-), U. S. Geologist.
Physical Properties:

Cleavage:
[0001] Good

Color:
colorless or white.

Density:
1.88

Diaphaniety:
Transparent

Habits:
Microscopic Crystals - Crystals visible only with microscopes., Nodular - Tuberose forms having irregular protuberances over the surface.,

Hardness:
2.5 - Finger Nail

Luster:
Vitreous (Glassy)

Streak:
white
More details...