Novograblenovite
Novograblenovite is a rare inorganic mineral with the chemical formula ammonium magnesium chloride hexahydrate. It belongs to the monoclinic crystal system and is classified as a chloride mineral. This mineral is characterized by its relatively low hardness, with a Mohs hardness of approximately 2.5, and a low density. It exhibits a vitreous to pearly luster and typically appears white to colorless. Novograblenovite is notable for its hydrous composition, which contributes to its instability in dry environments. It is part of the chloride mineral group, which includes other hydrous and anhydrous salts.
Composition
- ClChlorine41.4%
- OOxygen37.4%
- MgMagnesium9.5%
- HHydrogen6.3%
- NNitrogen5.5%
Overview
Novograblenovite is a rare inorganic mineral with the chemical formula ammonium magnesium chloride hexahydrate. It belongs to the monoclinic crystal system and is classified as a chloride mineral. This mineral is characterized by its relatively low hardness, with a Mohs hardness of approximately 2.5, and a low density. It exhibits a vitreous to pearly luster and typically appears white to colorless. Novograblenovite is notable for its hydrous composition, which contributes to its instability in dry environments. It is part of the chloride mineral group, which includes other hydrous and anhydrous salts.
Etymology
Novograblenovite is named after Prokopiy Trifonovich Novograblenov, a Russian mineralogist. The mineral was officially approved by the International Mineralogical Association (IMA).
How to recognize it
Novograblenovite can be identified by its low hardness of approximately 2.5 on the Mohs scale and its white to colorless color. It has a vitreous to pearly luster and a low density. The mineral typically leaves a white streak. Due to its hydrous nature and low hardness, it is easily distinguishable from other chloride minerals and is unlikely to be confused with more common species.
Trivia
Novograblenovite is notable for its unique chemical composition, which includes ammonium, a rare element in mineral structures. It is one of the few minerals to contain ammonium in its formula. Additionally, it is a monoclinic mineral, which is a less common crystal system among chloride minerals. Its hydrous nature makes it unstable in dry conditions, which is an unusual characteristic for a chloride mineral.