Cristobalite
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Description
A translucent Quartz mineral named after Cerro San Cristobal, Mexico where it was first identified in 1887. Cristobalite is a natural, refractory material formed in volcanic rock. It can be made synthetically when quartz is heated above 1050 C. Small amounts of cristobalite in a ceramic glaze formula minimize crazing. Opals contain masses of microscopic cristobalite crystals.
Synonyms and Related Terms
cristobalita (Esp.); cristobalite (Fr., Port.)
Physical and Chemical Properties
- Luster=Glassy
- Streak = white
- Nonfluorescent
| Composition | SiO2 |
|---|---|
| CAS | 14464-46-1 |
| Mohs Hardness | 6.5 |
| Density | 2.2 g/ml |
| Refractive Index | 1.485-1.487 |
Comparisons
Properties of Common Gemstones
Resources and Citations
- WebMinerals: Cristobalite
- G.S.Brady, Materials Handbook, McGraw-Hill Book Co., New York, 1971 Comment: p. 647
- Robert Fournier, Illustrated Dictionary of Practical Pottery, Chilton Book Company, Radnor, PA, 1992
- Random House, Webster's Encyclopedic Unabridged Dictionary of the English Language, Grammercy Book, New York, 1997