Difference between revisions of "Pyrophyllite"

From CAMEO
Jump to navigation Jump to search
(username removed)
m (Text replace - "== Authority ==" to "== Sources Checked for Data in Record ==")
Line 31: Line 31:
 
Mineralogy Database: [http://www.webmineral.com/data/Pyrophyllite.shtml Pyrophyllite]
 
Mineralogy Database: [http://www.webmineral.com/data/Pyrophyllite.shtml Pyrophyllite]
  
== Authority ==
+
== Sources Checked for Data in Record ==
  
 
* G.S.Brady, ''Materials Handbook'', McGraw-Hill Book Co., New York, 1971  Comment: p. 643
 
* G.S.Brady, ''Materials Handbook'', McGraw-Hill Book Co., New York, 1971  Comment: p. 643

Revision as of 16:43, 1 May 2016

Pyrophyllite

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.)

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.

Composition Al2Ai4O10(OH)2
Mohs Hardness 1.0 - 2.0
Density 2.6 - 2.9
Refractive Index 1.53; 1.58; 1.60

Additional Information

Mineralogy Database: Pyrophyllite

Sources Checked for Data in Record

  • G.S.Brady, Materials Handbook, McGraw-Hill Book Co., New York, 1971 Comment: p. 643
  • Michael McCann, Artist Beware, Watson-Guptill Publications, New York City, 1979
  • Encyclopedia Britannica, http://www.britannica.com Comment: pyrophyllite" Encyclopædia Britannica [Accessed December 4, 2001]. (tech info)
  • C.W.Chesterman, K.E.Lowe, Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Rocks and Minerals, Alfred A. Knopf, New York, 1979

Retrieved from "https://cameo.mfa.org/index.php?title=Pyrophyllite&oldid=52231"