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Formula: KNaMg2(PO4)2.14H2O
Hydrated phosphate, struvite group
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Specific gravity: 1.91 measured, 1.875 calculated
Hardness: 2 to 2½
Streak: White
Colour: Colourless
Luminescence: Does not fluoresce under long wave or short wave UV
Solubility: Soluble in water
Environments
Sedimentary environments
Hydrothermal environments
Localities
At the type locality, South shore, Mono Lake, Mono County, California, USA, hazenite has been found in and/or on completely
dried-out or decomposed cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) on porous calcium carbonate (mainly
calcite and aragonite) substrates. It
occurs as radiating clusters of prismatic crystals and is colourless and transparent with a white streak and vitreous lustre; no
twinning was observed. Hazenite is believed to form in high pH (alkaline) environments through the involvement of
cyanobacterial activities
(AM 96.4.675-681).
Hazenite from Mono Lake - Image
The Pickett Corral Mine, Montrose County, Colorado, USA, is another locality where hazenite has been found.
(Mindat).
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