Mineral 1.0: Nepheline

Mineral 1.0

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Nepheline(Na,K)AlSiO₄

Class: Silicate
Subclass: Framework
Hardness: 5.5 - 6
Density: 2.5 - 2.7
Streak: White
Lustre: Vitreous
Colours: White-gray-brownish
   Crystal System: Hexagonal
Cleavage: Indistinct
Fracture: Conchoidal
Magnetism: None
Reaction with HCl: Very weak
Identification in hand sample:
Resembles quartz but instead is softer.
Industrial / ecomonic uses:
Used in the manufacture of ceramics and glass.
Comments:
Looks like quartz/granite cross. Found in silica-poor alkaline igneous rocks.



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