Kernite

kernite

ulexite

tincalconite

colemanite

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Formula: Na₂B₄O₆(OH)₂.3H₂O
Hydrated borate containing hydroxyl
Crystal System: Monoclinic
Specific gravity: 1.906 measured, 1.905 calculated
Hardness: 2½ to 3
Streak: White
Colour: When fresh colourless and transparent, but usually white and opaque
Solubility: Slowly soluble in cold water, readily so in hot water; readily soluble in hydrochloric, sulphuric and nitric acid
Environments:

Sedimentary environments

Kernite occurs in chemical sedimentary borate environments associated with borax, inyoite, colemanite and ulexite (HOM). The kernite is believed to have formed from borax.
It alters to tincalconite on dehydration, and
alters to meta kernite (Na₂B₄O₇.5H2O) upon heating to 100° to 120°C, as a non-reversible change (Mindat).

Localities

At the type locality, the Rich Station bore hole, Rich, Kern county, California, USA, kernite occurs as colourless to white and transparent cleavage fragments in a metamorphosed bedded borate deposit in clay-shale. Associated minerals include ulexite, tincalconite, probertite and borax (Mindat).

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