KERNITE
KERNITE Kernite – Na2[B4O6(OH)2].3H2O – is an extremely rare hydrated borate, important as an ore for the manufacture of “chemical borax,” even more important than borax itself, because kernite contains less water than borax. The deposit in the Kramer District (Boron, California, USA) was for many years the only known occurrence of kernite and the […]
KLAPROTHITE
KLAPROTHITE The designation “klaprothite” has been changed several times: 1) In 1824 the term “klaprothite” was coined by F.S. Beudant, who replaced it in 1832 with “klaprothine”, but the mineral thus designated was actually lazulite and therefore the name was abandoned. 2) In 1868 “klaprothite” was used again, this time by Thomas Petersen to designate […]
KYANITE
KYANITE Kyanite – Al2SiO5 – is a common nesosilicate, typical of metamorphic rocks, constituting an important industrial mineral used in the production of refractories and ceramics. An ancient name for kyanite, still widely used by some authors, is “Disthen”. In Portuguese, the name of the mineral is “Cianita”. Kyanite is one of the three polymorphs […]
KERMESITE
KERMESITE Kermesite – Sb2S2O – also known as “red antimony”, is a relatively common oxide. It is not of great importance as an ore, only being part of polymetallic ores containing Sb. Kermesite crusts and coatings can be confused with metastibnite. 1. Characteristics Crystal system: Triclinic pinacoidal, pseudomonoclinic. Color: Crimson red or dark red, it […]
KOSMOCHLOR
KOSMOCHLOR Kosmochlor – NaCr(Si2O6) – is a very rare inosilicate, from the Clinopyroxene Subgroup (Pyroxene Group). It is important as an ore because it is a constituent of the ornamental rock “Maw Sit Sit”. It may contain, as impurities, Mn, Mg, Fe, Ti, Ca, K, P and Al. 1. Characteristics Crystal system: Monoclinic prismatic. […]
KAMACITE
KAMACITE Kamacite – (Fe,Ni) – is a Ni-rich variety of native iron. It is abundant in Fe-Ni meteorites (siderites) and also occurs in most other types of meteorites, with the exception of some rocky meteorites. It does not occur in terrestrial geological situations and will not be discussed here in detail. May contain Co, C, […]
KALSILITE
KALSILITE Kalsilite – KAlSiO4 – is a rare tectosilicate, a feldspathoid typical of K-rich and silica-deficient igneous rocks. It has no importance as an ore. It is classified in the Feldspathoid Group, being dimorphic from kaliophilite (trigonal). May contain impurities such as Ca, Na, Fe and Mg. Gelatinizes in concentrated HCl. 1. Characteristics Crystal system: […]
KLOCKMANNITE
KLOCKMANNITE Klockmannite – CuSe – is a very rare selenide, characteristic of hydrothermal veins with paragenesis of Se minerals. It may constitute ore, but Se is generally obtained as a by-product in the refining of Pb, Zn and Cu ores. It is the Se analogue of covellite, with which it is isomorphic. It is the […]