Information about Dickite

Dickite is a white, grey, yellowish, or sometimes light green mineral that typically occurs in clay-like masses or as microscopic plate-like crystals. It belongs to the kaolinite group of clay minerals and has a soft, earthy texture.

Dickite forms in hydrothermal environments, weathered rock formations, and sedimentary deposits. Due to its small crystal size, it is often mistaken for other clay minerals unless analysed under a microscope.

The Kaolinite group includes similar minerals like halloysite, kaolinite, and nacrite.

Uses and History

Dickite is primarily used in ceramics, paper production, and as a filler in various industrial applications, much like its close relative, kaolinite.

Dickite was first described in 1888 and was named after the Scottish geologist Allan Brugh Dick, who contributed significantly to clay mineral studies. Its type locality is Pant-y-Gaseg, Amlwch, Isle of Anglesey, Wales.

Mineralogy

Hazards and Warnings

Mineral collectors should wash their hands after handling specimens, to avoid any exposure to potential toxins.

Almost all rocks, minerals (and, frankly, almost all other substances on earth) can produce toxic dust when cutting, which can cause serious respiratory conditions including silicosis.

When cutting or polishing rocks, minerals, shells, etc, all work should be done wet to minimise the dust, and a suitable respirator or extraction system should be used.

Translations

Further Reading / External Links

• https://museum.wales/mineralogy-of-wales/database/?mineral=87
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dickite
• https://www.mindat.org/min-1287.html
• https://www.webmineral.com/data/Dickite.shtml