Kenyaite

Phyllosilicate mineral From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Kenyaite is a mineral and is a peculiar sodium silicate having a layered structure.[1] It has a chemical formula of Na2Si22O41(OH)8 • 6H2O,[2][3] which means it is made up of variations of different materials including sodium, silicon, hydrogen, and oxygen.[4] The chemical composition of kenyaite is subject to change: when the interlayer of water has different variations; it undergoes different physical conditions; by partial to full exchange of the sodium ions by protons when kenyaite comes into contact with water. This is typical for intracrystalline reactive materials.[5]

Ground Kenyaite in a sample container

Name

The name kenyaite derives from Kenya as this is the location where it was first discovered.[1]

Physical properties

Kenyaite is white in colour and can range from being transparent to translucent.[3] It has a hardness of roughly 4 on Mohs scale of mineral hardness.[2] Kenyaite has a white streak and a density of 3.18. This mineral has a molecular mass of 1,563.99 g/mol.[4] The mineral habits within kenyaite can be described as concretionary and nodular.[4] These nodules range in size and shape.[2]

Reactions

Kenyaite has been shown to form from the leaching of magadiite, and also from evaporating saline brines in playa evaporite alkaline lake deposits.[4] It can be transformed into quartz when kenyaite decomposes.[5]

Distribution of Deposits

Kenyaite is found in different parts of the globe including, near Trinity Lake, California, Kafra, Niger, and Lake Magadi in Kenya.[3]

References

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