The open encyclopedia of minerals
GlossaryCite the database
Mineralogist.org
Minerals A–ZSearchCollectionsBrowse by PropertyIdentify a SpecimenCompare MineralsLocalities MapGlossaryContribute Search the Database →
Silicate

Bigcreekite

BaSi₂O₅·4H₂O
Hardness2–3
Crystal systemOrthorhombic
ClassSilicate
←PrevBiehliteNextBijvoetite-(Y)→
Bigcreekite specimen

White platy crystals of the very rare mineral bigcreekite associated to pink gillespite in sanbornite. From: Trumbull Peak, Incline, Mariposa County, California, United States of America. — Photo: David Hospital · CC BY-SA 4.0

Bigcreekite

Bigcreekite is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the silicate class, with the chemical formula BaSi₂O₅·4H₂O.

It crystallizes in the orthorhombic crystal system (space group Pnma).

Key properties: Mohs hardness 2–3; specific gravity 2.66; White streak; Vitreous to pearly luster; optically biaxial.

IMA symbol Big, IMA status: approved, named in 1999.

Filling fractures in gneiss near the margins of a granodiorite pluton.

It is found associated with Sanbornite, quartz, diopside, pyrrhotite.

The name is derived from the locality that provided the first specimens, Big Creek, California, USA.

Index entry. This entry combines official IMA/RRUFF species data with published physical-property data — a full written entry hasn’t been published yet. Browse more B minerals or help write this entry.