Wardsmithite
A valid IMA mineral species
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About Wardsmithite
Ward C. Smith
Formula:
Ca5Mg[B4O7]6 · 30H2O
Colour:
Colourless, white
Lustre:
Vitreous
Hardness:
2½
Specific Gravity:
1.85 - 1.88
Crystal System:
Hexagonal
Name:
Named after Ward Cromwell Smith (6 February 1906, St. Louis, Missouri, USA - 25 June 1998, Cupertino, California, USA), geologist, U.S. Geological Survey who worked with borates.
Co-Type Localities:
This page provides mineralogical data about Wardsmithite.
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
4243
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:4243:3
IMA Classification of Wardsmithite
Approved
IMA Formula:
Ca5Mg(B4O7)6 · 30H2O
Approval year:
1967
First published:
1970
Classification of Wardsmithite
6.H0.25
6 : BORATES
H : Unclassified borates
0 :
6 : BORATES
H : Unclassified borates
0 :
26.7.7.1
26 : HYDRATED BORATES CONTAINING HYDROXYL OR HALOGEN
7 : Miscellaneous
26 : HYDRATED BORATES CONTAINING HYDROXYL OR HALOGEN
7 : Miscellaneous
9.3.24
9 : Borates
3 : Borates of Ca and Sr
9 : Borates
3 : Borates of Ca and Sr
Mineral Symbols
As of 2021 there are now IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols (abbreviations) for each mineral species, useful for tables and diagrams.
| Symbol | Source | Reference for Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Wsm | IMA–CNMNC | Warr, L.N. (2021). IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols. Mineralogical Magazine, 85(3), 291-320. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43 |
Pronunciation of Wardsmithite
Pronunciation:
| Play | Recorded by | Country |
|---|---|---|
| Jolyon Ralph | United Kingdom |
Physical Properties of Wardsmithite
Vitreous
Transparency:
Transparent
Colour:
Colourless, white
Streak:
White
Hardness:
2½ on Mohs scale
Cleavage:
Distinct/Good
{001}, good.
{001}, good.
Density:
1.85 - 1.88 g/cm3 (Measured)
Optical Data of Wardsmithite
Type:
Uniaxial (-)
RI values:
nω = 1.490(2) nε = 1.476(2)
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.014
Based on recorded range of RI values above.
Based on recorded range of RI values above.
Interference Colours:
The colours simulate birefringence patterns seen in thin section under crossed polars. They do not take into account mineral colouration or opacity.
Michel-Levy Bar The default colours simulate the birefringence range for a 30 µm thin-section thickness. Adjust the slider to simulate a different thickness.
Grain Simulation You can rotate the grain simulation to show how this range might look as you rotated a sample under crossed polars.
The colours simulate birefringence patterns seen in thin section under crossed polars. They do not take into account mineral colouration or opacity.
Michel-Levy Bar The default colours simulate the birefringence range for a 30 µm thin-section thickness. Adjust the slider to simulate a different thickness.
Grain Simulation You can rotate the grain simulation to show how this range might look as you rotated a sample under crossed polars.
Surface Relief:
Moderate
Chemistry of Wardsmithite
Mindat Formula:
Ca5Mg[B4O7]6 · 30H2O
Element Weights:
Crystallography of Wardsmithite
Crystal System:
Hexagonal
Morphology:
anhedral with platy habit
Comment:
Point Group: n.d.; Space Group: n.d. Z = n.d.
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 13.5 Å | (100) |
| 12.3 Å | (62) |
| 6.12 Å | (55) |
| 4.721 Å | (42) |
| 2.744 Å | (26) |
| 7.73 Å | (22) |
| 2.918 Å | (20) |
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| Stage 7: Great Oxidation Event | <2.4 |
| 47a : [Near-surface hydration of prior minerals] | |
| 47c : [Carbonates, phosphates, borates, nitrates] |
Type Occurrence of Wardsmithite
Co-Type Localities:
General Appearance of Type Material:
fine grained nodules
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
National Museum of Natural History, Washington, D.C., USA, 136414, 147955, 147956.
Geological Setting of Type Material:
weathered veins of colemanite and priceite
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
Synonyms of Wardsmithite
Other Language Names for Wardsmithite
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 6.H0.05 | Chelkarite | CaMgB2O4(Cl,OH)2 · 5H2O Or near, with Cl:OH = 3:1 |
| 6.H0.10 | Braitschite-(Ce) | (Ca,Na2)7(Ce,La)2B22O43 · 7H2O |
| 6.H0.15 | Satimolite | KNa2(Al5Mg2)[B12O18(OH)12](OH)6Cl4 · 4H2O |
| 6.H0.20 | Iquiqueite | K3Na4Mg(CrO4)B24O39(OH) · 12H2O |
| 6.H0.35 | Halurgite | Mg4[B8O13(OH)2]2 · 7H2O |
| 6.H0.40 | Ekaterinite | Ca2(B4O7)(Cl,OH)2 · 2H2O |
| 6.H0.45 | Vitimite | Ca6[B14O19](SO4)(OH)14 · 5H2O |
| 6.H0.50 | Canavesite | Mg2(HBO3)(CO3) · 5H2O |
| 6.H0.55 | Qilianshanite | NaHCO3 · H3BO3 · 2H2O |
Fluorescence of Wardsmithite
none
Other Information
Notes:
insoluble in methyl alcohol, is very slightly soluble in cold water, slightly soluble in hot water, and readily soluble in cold dilute acids.
Health Risks:
No information on health risks for this material has been entered into the database. You should always treat mineral specimens with care.
Internet Links for Wardsmithite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-4243.html
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Please feel free to link to this page.
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References for Wardsmithite
Localities for Wardsmithite
Showing 6 localities.
symbol to view information about a locality.
The Locality List
- This locality has map coordinates listed.
- This locality has estimated coordinates.
ⓘ - Click for references and further information on this occurrence.
? - Indicates mineral may be doubtful at this locality.
- Good crystals or important locality for species.
- World class for species or very significant.
(TL) - Type Locality for a valid mineral species.
(FRL) - First Recorded Locality for everything else (eg varieties).
All localities listed without proper references should be considered as questionable.
Mexico | |
| Miranda-Gasca et al. (1998) +1 other reference | |
USA (TL) | |
| Erd et al. (1970) +1 other reference |
| Erd et al. (1970) +3 other references | |
| Erd et al. (1979) |
| U.S. Borax |
| Pemberton (1983) |
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Hard Scramble claim, Ryan, Furnace Creek Mining District, Inyo County, California, USA