Description
A soft, fibrous or flaky, mineral of basic aluminum silicate. Pyrophyllite occurs as fine-grain masses in the Ural mountains, Switzerland (Zermatt), South Africa, Canada and the U.S. (North Carolina, Georgia, California). The pearly white, yellow or green mineral can be difficult to distinguish visually from talc. Pyrophyllite was carved by the ancient Chinese into small figurines and ornaments. It was used in slate pencils and tailor's chalk and is still used as a filler in ceramics, paints and plastics.
Synonyms and Related Terms
African wonderstone; phillite; tailor's chalk; slate pencil; pirofilita (Esp.); pirofilite (Port.); Pyrophyllit (Deut.); pyrofylliet (Ned.)
| Al2Ai4O10(OH)2 |
| 1.0 - 2.0 |
| 2.6 - 2.9 |
| 1.53; 1.58; 1.60 |
Other Properties
Monoclinic system; crystals are rare; usually fine-grain masses. Perfect cleavage in one direction. Fracture = uneven or splintery. Luster = pearly to dull. Streak is white.
Additional Information
Mineralogy Database: Pyrophyllite
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Last updated on: 7/12/2009 9:21:53 AM
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