Rhodesite

rhodesite

mountainite

montmorillonite

magadiite

Images

Formula: KHCa₂Si₈O₁₉.5H₂O
Phyllosilicate, rhodesite group
Crystal System: Orthorhombic
Specific gravity: 2.27 to 2.36 measured, 2.26 calculated
Hardness: 3 to 4
Streak: White
Colour: White
Common impurities: Al,Fe,Mg,Na
Environments

Plutonic igneous environments
Volcanic igneous environments

Localities

At the type locality, the Bultfontein mine, KEM JV Mine, Kimberley, Sol Plaatje, Frances Baard, Northern Cape, South Africa, rhodesite occurs in a kimberlite pipe associated with mountainite (HOM).

At the Trinity Mining claim, Wildcat Peak, Halls Gulch Mining District, Trinity Mountains, Klamath Mountains, Trinity county, California, USA, rhodesite occurs in a magadiite deposit localised in altered silicic lavas. Associated minerals include magadiite and montmorillonite (HOM).

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