CARRBOYDITE Meaning and
Definition
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Carrboydite is a mineral that belongs to the phyllosilicate group. It is a rare and complex hydrated aluminum silicate mineral with a chemical formula of (Ca,Na)(Fe3+,Al,Mg)3(Si,Al)4O10(OH)2·4H2O. The mineral was first discovered in 1998 in the Carr Boyd Rocks, which are located in Western Australia, hence the name Carrboydite. It has also been reported in some other locations around the world, but it remains a relatively uncommon mineral.
Carrboydite is typically found as thin platy crystals or in aggregated forms with a fibrous or powdery appearance. It commonly occurs as an alteration product in hydrothermal environments, where it forms as a result of the interaction between hot fluids and pre-existing rocks.
In terms of physical properties, carrboydite is relatively soft and has a milky or pearly luster. It can appear in various colors, including white, gray, green, and yellowish-brown. The mineral is non-radioactive and lacks any notable fluorescence.
Despite its rarity, carrboydite does not possess any significant economic importance. It is primarily of interest to mineral enthusiasts, collectors, and scientists studying the processes of mineral formation and alteration in geologic environments. Its complex chemical composition and distinct crystal structure make it a subject of scientific research in mineralogy and crystallography.
