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Formula: KB5O6(OH)4.2H2O
Hydrated pentaborate,
sborgite group
Crystal System: Orthorhombic
Specific gravity: 1.74 calculated
Hardness: 2½
Colour: Colourless
Environments
Localities
The type locality is Larderello, Pomarance, Pisa Province, Tuscany, Italy. The region of Larderello has experienced
occasional phreatic eruptions, caused by explosive outbursts of steam trapped below the surface. The water is
contained in metamorphic rocks where it is turned to steam, which is then trapped beneath a dome of impermeable
shales and clay. The steam
escapes through faults in the dome and forces its way out in the hot springs. It possesses a dozen explosion craters,
30 to 250 m in diameter.
Larderello now produces 10% of the world's entire supply of geothermal electricity, amounting to 4,800 GWh per year
and powering about a million Italian households. Its geology makes it uniquely conducive to geothermal power
production, with hot granite rocks lying unusually close to the surface, producing steam as hot as 202°C.
Contrary to popular belief, Larderello is not a volcano, as no eruptions of magma have occurred there at any point
in history.
Minerals associated with santite include larderellite and
sassolite
(Mindat).
Santite from Lardarello - Image
At Eagle Borax Spring, Inyo County, California, USA, santite has been found with
thénardite and halite
(Mindat photo).
Santite from the Eagle Borax Spring -
Image
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