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Formula: NaSi2O4(OH).3H2O
Hydrated phyllosilicate (sheet silicate)
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Specific gravity: 1.93 measured, 1.933 calculated
Hardness: 4
Streak: White
Colour: Colorless to cloudy white, light tan possibly due to inclusions
Luminescence: Not fluorescent under UV
Solubility: Dilute hydrochloric acid removes sodium, leaving a hydrated silica.
Common impurities: Al,Ca,K
Environments
Localities
At the type locality, La saline d'Andjia, Lac Region, Chad, kanemite occurs as spherulitic aggregates 1.5 to
2mm across, associated with gaylussite, in masses of
trona in evaporites
(AM 59.210, HOM).
Kanemite from La saline d'Andjia -
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At Lake Bogoria, Baringo County, Kenya, kanemite is associated with
magadiite, analcime and
mordenite
(HOM).
At the Aris Quarries, Aris, Windhoek Rural, Khomas Region, Namibia, kanemite has been found with
tuperssuatsiaite and
villiaumite
(Mindat photo).
Kanemite from the Aris Quarries -
Image
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