Wollastonite
Image: <bdi><a href="https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q56247090" class="extiw" title="d:Q56247090"><span title="mineral collector and dealer">Robert M. Lavinsky</span></a></bdi> (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Mineral NameWollastonite
Chemical FormulaCaSiO3
Mohs Hardness4.5
Crystal Systemtriclinic
Lustervitreous
Streak Colorwhite
CleavagePerfect on {100} and {001}, good on {102}
Fractureuneven
Specific Gravity2.9
Colorswhite, pale brown, yellowish-brown
Transparencytranslucent
Type LocalityAnosy (Fort Dauphin) Region, Tuléar (Toliara) Province, Madagascar
Mineral GroupSilicates
Usesindustrial filler, ceramic raw material, paint extender
Associated Mineralstremolite, garnet, diopside, calcite
Rarityuncommon
Description
This specimen of Wollastonite is a fibrous to massive aggregate, displaying an off-white to pale yellowish-brown color with a somewhat rough and weathered texture.
Geological Context
Wollastonite commonly forms in contact metamorphic rocks, particularly in skarns, where impure limestones or dolomites are altered by the heat and fluids from igneous intrusions.
