Saliotite

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Saliotite
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General
Category	Phyllosilicate
Formula	(K,Na,Ca)₀.₆₋₀.₉(Mg,Fe)₃(Si,Al)₄O₁₀(OH)₂·nH₂O
Strunz classification	[[Strunz classification|]]
Dana classification	[[Dana classification|]]
Crystal system	[[Crystal system|]]
Crystal class
Color	White, colorless
Physical properties
Cleavage	Perfect on {001}
Mohs scale hardness
Luster	Pearly
Streak	White
Diaphaneity	Translucent
Specific gravity
Optical properties
Refractive index
Crystal habit
Other characteristics

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Saliotite is a rare phyllosilicate mineral belonging to the mica group. It is characterized by its platy, micaceous habit and is typically found in metamorphic rocks. Saliotite is named after the French mineralogist Pierre Saliot, who made significant contributions to the study of phyllosilicates.

Occurrence

Saliotite is typically found in metamorphic rocks such as schist and gneiss. It forms under conditions of low to medium-grade metamorphism and is often associated with other mica minerals such as muscovite and biotite. Saliotite has been identified in several locations worldwide, including the Alps and certain regions of Japan.

Physical Properties

Saliotite exhibits a perfect cleavage on the {001} plane, which is characteristic of mica minerals. It has a pearly luster and is translucent. The mineral is relatively soft, with a Mohs hardness of 2.5, making it easily scratched by a fingernail. Saliotite is flexible but not elastic, meaning it can bend without breaking but does not return to its original shape.

Chemical Composition

The chemical formula of saliotite is (K,Na,Ca)₀.₆₋₀.₉(Mg,Fe)₃(Si,Al)₄O₁₀(OH)₂·nH₂O. This formula indicates that saliotite is a hydrous potassium, sodium, and calcium magnesium iron aluminum silicate. The presence of water molecules in its structure is denoted by the "nH₂O" in the formula, which can vary depending on the specific sample.

Optical Properties

Saliotite is biaxial (-) with a birefringence of δ = 0.020. It does not exhibit pleochroism, meaning it does not change color when viewed from different angles under polarized light. This property can be useful in distinguishing saliotite from other similar minerals in thin section.

Uses

While saliotite is not a major industrial mineral, it is of interest to mineralogists and geologists studying metamorphic processes and the formation of mica minerals. Its presence can provide insights into the conditions of metamorphism and the chemical environment during rock formation.

Also see

• Mica
• Phyllosilicate
• Metamorphic rock
• Schist
• Gneiss