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Skolite

A variety of 'Glauconite'
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Formula:
H4K(Mg,Fe2+,Ca)(Al,Fe3+)3Si6O20 · 4H2O
Colour:
Dark green, grey green, yellowish green
Lustre:
Greasy, Earthy
Hardness:
2
Specific Gravity:
2.508 - 2.572
Name:
Named for original locality - Skole, East Carpathians, Poland (Now Skole, Lviv Oblast, Ukraine)
A hydromica close to bravaisite, a variety of glauconite high in Al and Ca and low in Fe3+.


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Unique IdentifiersHide

Mindat ID:
46590 (as Skolite)
1710 (as Glauconite)
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:46590:2 (as Skolite)
mindat:1:1:1710:3 (as Glauconite)

Similar NamesHide

Cyclite
SigloiteA valid IMA mineral speciesFe3+Al2(PO4)2(OH)3 · 7H2O
SukulaiteA synonym of OxystannomicroliteSn2Ta2O6O

Physical Properties of SkoliteHide

Greasy, Earthy
Colour:
Dark green, grey green, yellowish green
Hardness:
Hardness Data:
Measured
Comment:
About 2
Density:
2.508 - 2.572 g/cm3 (Measured)    
Comment:
Principally 2.555

Optical Data of SkoliteHide

Type:
Biaxial (-)
RI values:
nα = 1.559 nβ = 1.581 nγ = 1.586
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.027
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.

Surface Relief:
Moderate
Pleochroism:
Visible
Comments:
Distinct
X = pale yellowish green
Y = Z = yellow green, herb green, emerald green

Chemistry of SkoliteHide

Mindat Formula:
H4K(Mg,Fe2+,Ca)(Al,Fe3+)3Si6O20 · 4H2O
Element Weights:
Element% weight
O54.163 %
Si23.770 %
Al11.418 %
K5.515 %
Mg3.428 %
H1.706 %

Calculated from ideal end-member formula.

First Recorded Occurrence of SkoliteHide

General Appearance of First Recorded Material:
Found as veinlets and ribands in the sandstones of the Klódka quarry.

Synonyms of SkoliteHide

RadioactivityHide

Radioactivity:
Element % Content Activity (Bq/kg) Radiation Type
Uranium (U) 0.0000% 0 α, β, γ
Thorium (Th) 0.0000% 0 α, β, γ
Potassium (K) 5.5150% 1,710 β, γ

For comparison:

  • Banana: ~15 Bq per fruit
  • Granite: 1,000–3,000 Bq/kg
  • EU exemption limit: 10,000 Bq/kg

Note: Risk is shown relative to daily recommended maximum exposure to non-background radiation of 1000 µSv/year. Note that natural background radiation averages around 2400 µSv/year so in reality these risks are probably extremely overstated! With infrequent handling and safe storage natural radioactive minerals do not usually pose much risk.

Interactive Simulator:

Note: The mass selector refers to the mass of radioactive mineral present, not the full specimen, also be aware that the matrix may also be radioactive, possibly more radioactive than this mineral!

Activity:

DistanceDose rateRisk
1 cm
10 cm
1 m

The external dose rate (D) from a radioactive mineral is estimated by summing the gamma radiation contributions from its Uranium, Thorium, and Potassium content, disregarding daughter-product which may have a significant effect in some cases (eg 'pitchblende'). This involves multiplying the activity (A, in Bq) of each element by its specific gamma ray constant (Γ), which accounts for its unique gamma emissions. The total unshielded dose at 1 cm is then scaled by the square of the distance (r, in cm) and multiplied by a shielding factor (μshield). This calculation provides a 'worst-case' or 'maximum risk' estimate because it assumes the sample is a point source and entirely neglects any self-shielding where radiation is absorbed within the mineral itself, meaning actual doses will typically be lower. The resulting dose rate (D) is expressed in microsieverts per hour (μSv/h).

D = ((AU × ΓU) + (ATh × ΓTh) + (AK × ΓK)) / r2 × μshield

Other InformationHide

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 SkoliteHide

References for SkoliteHide

Localities for SkoliteHide

This map shows a selection of localities that have latitude and longitude coordinates recorded. Click on the symbol to view information about a locality. The symbol next to localities in the list can be used to jump to that position on the map.

Locality ListHide

- 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). Struck out - Mineral was erroneously reported from this locality. Faded * - Never found at this locality but inferred to have existed at some point in the past (e.g. from pseudomorphs).

All localities listed without proper references should be considered as questionable.
Ukraine (FRL)
 
  • Lviv Oblast
    • Stryi Raion
      • Skole
www.minsocam.org (2012)
Quick NavTopUnique IdentifiersSimilar NamesPhysical Properties Optical Data Chemistry First Recorded Occurrence SynonymsRadioactivityOther InformationInternet Links References Localities Locality List
 
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