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Forsterite

Forsterite
General
CategoryMineral
Chemical formulaMagnesium silicate (Mg2SiO4)
Identification
Colour Green to yellow
Crystal system Orthorhombic
Cleavage {010}, {100} - imperfect
Fracture Conchoidal
Mohs Scale hardness 7
Luster Vitreous
Refractive index α = 1.635, β = 1.651, γ = 1.670
Specific gravity 3.222

Forsterite (Mg2SiO4) is the magnesium rich end-member of the olivine solid-solution series. Forsterite crystalises in the orthorhombic system (space group Pbnm) with cell paramiters a 4.75 Å, b 10.20 Å and c Å 5.98.

References

  • Deer, W. A., Howie, R. A., and Zussman, J. (1992). An introduction to the rock-forming minerals (2nd ed.). Harlow: Longman ISBN 0-582-30094-0
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