Hanksite

Hanksite is a mineral, distinguished as one of only a handful that contain both carbonate and sulfate ion groups. This can bring confusion as to which category to place it into, normally it is regarded as sulphate class mineral as there are more of these groups than the carbonate.

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Occurrence

Hanksite is normally found in crystal form as evaporite deposits. Hanksite crystals are large but not complex in structure. It is often found in Searles Lake, San Bernardino County and Mono Lake, California.

Chemistry

Composition: Na₂₂K(SO₄)₉(CO₃)₂Cl, Sodium, Potassium, Sulfate, Carbonate, Chloride

Physical characteristics

Hanksite can be colorless, white, gray, green or yellowand is transparent or translucent. The mineral's hardness is approximately 3 to 3.5 The specific gravity is approximately 2.5 (slightly below average). The mineral is salty to the taste, can be covered in a light film of dust and sometimes glows in ultra-violet light.

Similar minerals

• halite
• borax
• trona
• nahcolite
• tincalconite

References

• Hanksite article at galleries.com