Kernite
A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered
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About Kernite
Seal of Kern County, California, USA
Formula:
Na2[B4O6(OH)2] · 3H2O
Colour:
Colourless to white
Lustre:
Vitreous
Hardness:
2½
Specific Gravity:
1.906
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Name:
After Kern County, California, USA, where it was first discovered.
Type Locality:
This page provides mineralogical data about Kernite.
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
2188
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:2188:9
GUID
(UUID V4):
(UUID V4):
3ef012df-8625-4fd4-b4aa-4d9e8c34341d
IMA Classification of Kernite
Approved, 'Grandfathered' (first described prior to 1959)
IMA Formula:
Na2B4O6(OH)2 · 3H2O
First published:
1927
Classification of Kernite
6.DB.05
6 : BORATES
D : Tetraborates
B : Ino-tetraborates
6 : BORATES
D : Tetraborates
B : Ino-tetraborates
26.4.5.1
26 : HYDRATED BORATES CONTAINING HYDROXYL OR HALOGEN
4 : Tetraborates
26 : HYDRATED BORATES CONTAINING HYDROXYL OR HALOGEN
4 : Tetraborates
9.1.6
9 : Borates
1 : Borates of the alkalis and boric acid
9 : Borates
1 : Borates of the alkalis and boric acid
Mineral Symbols
As of 2021 there are now IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols (abbreviations) for each mineral species, useful for tables and diagrams.
| Symbol | Source | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Ker | IMA–CNMNC | Warr, L.N. (2021). IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols. Mineralogical Magazine, 85(3), 291-320. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43 |
Physical Properties of Kernite
Vitreous
Transparency:
Transparent
Comment:
Satinly on fibrous cleavages
Colour:
Colourless to white
Streak:
White
Hardness:
2½ on Mohs scale
Tenacity:
Flexible
Cleavage:
Perfect
On {100} perfect; {001} less perfect; on {201} fair. NOTE: The cleavable masses exhibit a simulated fibrous structure due to development of excellent cleavages. Cleavage fragments usually bent or warped around [001].
On {100} perfect; {001} less perfect; on {201} fair. NOTE: The cleavable masses exhibit a simulated fibrous structure due to development of excellent cleavages. Cleavage fragments usually bent or warped around [001].
Fracture:
Splintery
Density:
1.906(3) g/cm3 (Measured) 1.905 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Kernite
Type:
Biaxial (-)
RI values:
nα = 1.454 nβ = 1.472 nγ = 1.488
2V:
Measured: 80° , Calculated: 84°
Max Birefringence:
δ = 0.034
Image shows birefringence interference colour range (at 30µm thickness)
and does not take into account mineral colouration.
and does not take into account mineral colouration.
Surface Relief:
Moderate
Dispersion:
r > v distinct
Optical Extinction:
Z = b; X ∧ c = 70.5°.
Chemistry of Kernite
Mindat Formula:
Na2[B4O6(OH)2] · 3H2O
Elements listed:
Crystallography of Kernite
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Class (H-M):
2/m - Prismatic
Space Group:
P2/b
Cell Parameters:
a = 7.0172(2) Å, b = 9.1582(2) Å, c = 15.6774(5) Å
β = 108.861(2)°
β = 108.861(2)°
Ratio:
a:b:c = 0.766 : 1 : 1.712
Unit Cell V:
953.41 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
4
Morphology:
Crystals nearly equant, commonly slightly elongated [100] and deeply striated [010], with irregular form development. Wedge-shaped at times or rounded due to repetition of faces. Cleavable masses. Massive.
Twinning:
On {011}.
Crystal Structure
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Data courtesy of the American Mineralogist Crystal Structure Database. Click on an AMCSD ID to view structure
| ID | Species | Reference | Link | Year | Locality | Pressure (GPa) | Temp (K) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0000299 | Kernite | Cooper W F, Larsen F K, Coppens P, Giese R F (1973) Electron population analysis of accurate diffraction data. V. Structure and one-center charge refinement of the light-atom mineral kernite, Na2B4O6(OH)2.3H2O high order refinement American Mineralogist 58 21-31 |  | 1973 | 0 | 293 | |
| 0000300 | Kernite | Cooper W F, Larsen F K, Coppens P, Giese R F (1973) Electron population analysis of accurate diffraction data. V. Structure and one-center charge refinement of the light-atom mineral kernite, Na2B4O6(OH)2.3H2O Extended L-Shell refinement American Mineralogist 58 21-31 | | 1973 | 0 | 293 |
CIF Raw Data - click here to close
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
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Radiation - Copper Kα
Data courtesy of RRUFF project at University of Arizona, used with permission.
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 7.40 Å | (100) |
| 6.64 Å | (85) |
| 3.253 Å | (34) |
| 3.132 Å | (29) |
| 2.882 Å | (29) |
| 2.472 Å | (27) |
| 3.705 Å | (23) |
Comments:
Tincalayu deposit, Argentina.
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| Near-surface Processes | |
| 23 : Subaerial aqueous alteration by non-redox-sensitive fluids (see also #47) | |
| 25 : Evaporites (prebiotic) |
Geological Setting:
Sedimentary borate deposits.
Type Occurrence of Kernite
General Appearance of Type Material:
Cleavage 2 x 2.5 x 6 inches. Colorless to white and transparent, greatly resembling some specimens of massive selenite.
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
National Museum of Natural History, Washington, D.C., USA, number 95643 (type).
Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA, number 88508.
Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA, number 88508.
Geological Setting of Type Material:
Metamorphosed bedded borate deposit in clay-shales.
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
Synonyms of Kernite
Other Language Names for Kernite
Common Associates
Associated Minerals Based on Photo Data:
| 4 photos of Kernite associated with Tincalconite | Na2(B4O7) · 5H2O |
| 4 photos of Kernite associated with Gerstleyite | Na2(Sb,As)8S13 · 2H2O |
| 3 photos of Kernite associated with Realgar | As4S4 |
Other Information
Thermal Behaviour:
Alters to metakernite (Na2B4O7·5H2O) upon heating to 100° - 120°C, as a non-reversible change.
Notes:
Slowly soluble in cold water, readily so in hot water.
Alters to tincalconite upon dehydration.
Alters to tincalconite upon dehydration.
Health Risks:
No information on health risks for this material has been entered into the database. You should always treat mineral specimens with care.
Kernite in petrology
An essential component of rock names highlighted in red, an accessory component in rock names highlighted in green.
Internet Links for Kernite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-2188.html
Please feel free to link to this page.
Please feel free to link to this page.
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External Links:
Mineral Dealers:
References for Kernite
Reference List:
Muessig, Siegfried, Allen, Robert D. (1957) The hydration of kernite. American Mineralogist, 42 (9-10) 699-701
Cooper, W. F., Larsen, F. K., Coppens, P., Giese, and R. F. (1973) Electron population analysis of accurate diffraction data. V. Structure and one-center charge refinement of the light-atom mineral kernite, Na2B4O6(OH)2·3H2O. American Mineralogist, 58 (1-2) 21-31
Vicenzi, EP, Meier, D, Davis, JM (2009) Challenges Involved In X-Ray Microanalysis Of The Mineral Kernite [Na2B4O6(OH)2P3H2O]. Microscopy and Microanalysis, 15. 518-519 doi:10.1017/s1431927609099322
Localities for Kernite
symbol to view information about a locality.
The Locality List
- This locality has map coordinates listed.
- This locality has estimated coordinates.
ⓘ - Click for references and further information on this occurrence.
? - Indicates mineral may be doubtful at this locality.
- Good crystals or important locality for species.
- World class for species or very significant.
(TL) - Type Locality for a valid mineral species.
(FRL) - First Recorded Locality for everything else (eg varieties).
All localities listed without proper references should be considered as questionable.
Antarctica | |
| Fitzpatrick et al. (1990) |
Argentina | |
| Helvaci +4 other references |
China | |
| Kezao Chen (1992) | |
India | |
| Rathore (2015) |
Italy | |
| Chukanov (2014) |
Poland | |
| Cu +2 other references |
Turkey | |
| A Summary and Geological Comparison. ... +1 other reference |
USA | |
| Rock Currier collection |
| Van Nostrand Reinholt Press: 259. +4 other references | |
| Meier et al. (2011) | |
| Frondel et al. (1956) | |
| Boslough et al. (1980) | |
| Am Min 49:543-555 |
| American Mineralogist (1927) |
Quick NavTopAbout KerniteUnique IdentifiersIMA Classification Classification Mineral SymbolsPhysical Properties Optical Data Chemistry Crystallography Crystal StructureX-Ray Powder DiffractionGeological EnvironmentType Occurrence SynonymsOther LanguagesCommon AssociatesOther InformationKernite in petrologyInternet Links References Localities Locality List
Tincalayu Mine, Antofagasta de la Sierra Department, Catamarca Province, Argentina