Geyserite
Image: <bdi><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/en:Thomas_Moran" class="extiw" title="w:en:Thomas Moran"><span title="American artist (1837-1926)">Thomas Moran</span></a></bdi> (Public domain)
Mineral NameGeyserite
Chemical FormulaSiO2·nH2O
Mohs Hardness5.5
Crystal Systemamorphous
Lusterwaxy
Streak Colorwhite
Cleavagenone
Fractureconchoidal
Specific Gravity2.1
Colorswhite, grey, yellow, brown, orange, red, green, blue
Transparencytranslucent
Type LocalityYellowstone National Park, USA
Mineral GroupSilicates
Usesscientific study, geological interest, collector
Associated Mineralsquartz, chalcedony
Raritycommon
Description
Geyserite is a porous, hydrated amorphous silica that forms distinctive mounds and terraces around geysers and hot springs, often displaying a range of colors due to microbial mats.
Geological Context
It precipitates from supersaturated silica-rich geothermal waters as they cool and degas at the Earth's surface, building up unique geological formations in active volcanic areas.
