Vonsenite

Vonsenite is a rare borate mineral that typically forms in massive to granular aggregates or prismatic crystals.

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Information about Vonsenite

Vonsenite is a rare borate mineral that typically forms in massive to granular aggregates or prismatic crystals.

Its colour ranges from black to dark brown, often with a metallic or submetallic luster. When fractured, the mineral reveals a slightly uneven to splintery texture.

 


Uses and History

Due to its rarity, vonsenite has no significant industrial applications. It is primarily of interest to mineral collectors and geologists who study borate minerals and their environments of formation.

Its unique composition and association with other borate minerals in high-temperature environments make it an important subject for academic research.

Vonsenite is a part of the Ludwigite-Vonsenite series, and a member of the Ludwigite group. It is the Fe2 end-member of the series.

Ludwigite: Mg2Fe3+(BO3)O2
Vonsenite: Fe2+2Fe3+(BO3)O2

Vonsenite was first described in 1920 by Arthur S. Eakle, and named after Magnus Vonsen, an early 20th-century mineral collector. The mineral is most commonly found in borate-rich deposits associated with metamorphic rocks.

The type locality for Vonsenite is Old City Quarry, Riverside, Riverside County, California, USA.


Mineralogy

Chemistry
An iron borate mineral with the formula Fe2+2Fe3+(BO3)O2.
Colours and Variations

Green-black to coal-black.

Streak
Brownish black.
Luster
Metallic to submetallic.
Transparency
Opaque
Fracture
Uneven to splintery.
Crystal habit
Fibrous, prismatic, radial. Fibrous masses possible.
Mohs hardness
5
Fluorescence
None.
Specific Gravity
4.21
Easiest testing method
Metallic luster and association with borate minerals.

Hazards and Warnings

Contains boron – relatively safe to handle but inhaling dust should be avoided.

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.

 


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Further Reading / External Links