Veatchite
Veatchite is a rare borate mineral with the chemical formula Sr2[B5O8(OH)]2(H2O). It crystallizes in the monoclinic system and typically occurs as colorless to white, fibrous or acicular crystals, often forming aggregates.
Occurrence: Veatchite is found in evaporite deposits, typically associated with other borate minerals such as borax, colemanite, and ulexite. It forms under conditions of high alkalinity and salinity during the evaporation of boron-rich brines. Significant occurrences have been reported in California, USA; Argentina; and Turkey.
Properties:
- Crystal System: Monoclinic
- Color: Colorless to white
- Luster: Silky, vitreous
- Hardness: 3 (Mohs scale)
- Density: 2.68 g/cm3
- Cleavage: Perfect on {010}
- Fracture: Uneven
- Streak: White
- Solubility: Readily soluble in acids.
Uses: Veatchite is not widely used commercially due to its relative rarity. It is primarily of interest to mineral collectors and researchers studying borate mineralogy and the geochemistry of evaporite deposits. It serves as a valuable indicator mineral for specific geological conditions.
Etymology and Discovery: Veatchite was first described in 1938 for occurrences in the Sterling Borax Mine in Tick Canyon, Los Angeles County, California. It was named in honor of John Allen Veatch (1808-1870), an American physician and chemist who contributed to the early understanding of borate minerals.
Related Minerals: Other borate minerals that may be found in association with veatchite include:
- Borax (Na2B4O5(OH)4·8H2O)
- Colemanite (Ca2B6O11·5H2O)
- Ulexite (NaCaB5O6(OH)6·5H2O)