 |
Chemical Formula | Na2B4O7 · 4H2O | ||
|
Composition | Hydrous sodium borate | ||
|
Color | Colorless, white, light gray | ||
|
Streak | White | ||
|
Hardness | 3 | ||
|
Crystal Forms and Aggregates |
(Monoclinic) Most frequently occurs in thick, solid veins. Heavily striated crystals may usually be obtained from these veins. Thin, long, and fragile cleavage fragments of these crystals are common. Also occurs massive, columnar, and as bundles of long, striated crystals. | ||
|
Transparency | Transparent to opaque | ||
|
Specific Gravity | 1.9 - 2.0 | ||
|
Luster | Vitreous, silky, dull | ||
|
Cleavage | 1,1 - prismatic | ||
|
Fracture | Splintery | ||
|
Tenacity | Brittle | ||
|
Other ID Marks | 1) Dissolves in water 2) Has a sweetish, metallic taste 3) Develops a white powder on its surface upon prolonged exposure to air |
||
|
Other Names |  Rasorite |
||
|
In Group | Borates ; Hydrous borates | ||
|
All About | Kernite was first discovered in 1926 in the
Kramer District of Kern Co., California, in an enormous,
underground deposit. Almost immediately, its commercial
importance was discovered and it became the most
significant ore
of the chemical borax, becoming an even greater ore than the
mineral Borax itself (since it is a purer form
of the chemical borax). Many more Kernite deposits
probably exist deep below the surface of the earth in
regions rich in borate minerals, and such deposits could provide
great economic importance if discovered. Kernite does not keep well in collections, for it is efflorescent, meaning it loses the water in its crystal structure if not stored properly. Effects of efflorescence are the appearance of a white powder on its surface and formation of cloudy cracks, both which cause the specimen to become opaque and dull. In severe cases of efflorescence, Kernite specimens crumble into a white powder. Kernite specimens be stored in a damp area, where this effect will be minimal. |
||
|
Uses | After its discovery, Kernite became the principle source of borax and other boron compounds. It yields more of the chemical borax than the actual mineral Borax, since it contains less water than Borax. (See the mineral Borax for more information on the uses of the chemical borax) | ||
|
Striking Features | Location and taste | ||
|
Complex Tests | Dissolves in water | ||
|
Popularity (1-4) | 2 | ||
|
Prevalence (1-3) | 2 | ||
|
Demand (1-3) | 1 | ||
|
Distinguishing Similar Minerals |
The taste of Kernite can distinguish it from any mineral. | ||
|
Commonly Occurs With |
Occurs at the bottom of borate deposits, together with other borates such as Borax, Colemanite, and Ulexite. | ||
|
Noteworthy Localities |
Kernite was first discovered in a deposit
several hundred feet below the surface in the Kramer
Borax Deposit in Kern Co., California. For a long time,
it was the only occurrence of this mineral. Enormous
masses, some reaching 30 feet (9 meters) were obtained.
Other Kernite deposits have recently been discovered deep
below the surface in other California borax deposits,
though not on the scale of the Kramer Deposit. Kernite also comes from Argentina, Spain, and Turkey. Many more rich Kernite deposits probably exist, but are yet to be discovered, since this mineral is only found at great depths. |
||
|
Picture Icon Links |
|
||
|
Picture Links | 1. Efflorescent Kernite crystal |
