Dresserite , Strontianite Locality: Francon quarry, Montréal , Québec , Canada ( Locality at mindat.org ) Size: miniature, 3.2 x 2.5 x 1.7 cm Dresserite, Strontianite Dresserite to 1.2 mm, large for the species — Photo: Robert M. Lavinsky · CC BY-SA 3.0
Dresserite
A rare hydrated barium-aluminium carbonate known only from the Francon quarry in Canada, named for geologist John Dresser.
Intro adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA).
Dresserite is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the carbonate class, with the chemical formula Ba₂Al₄(CO₃)₄(OH)₈·3H₂O.
It crystallizes in the orthorhombic crystal system. It is a member of the Dundasite structural group.
Key properties: Mohs hardness 2.5–3; specific gravity 2.96; White streak; Vitreous to silky luster; optically biaxial.
IMA symbol Dsr, IMA status: approved, named in 1968.
Found in vugs in an alkalic sill in limestone.
It is found associated with Weloganite, dawsonite, quartz, plagioclase.
The mineral was named to honor John Alexander Dresser (1866–1954), Canadian geologist who contributed to knowledge of the Monteregian Hills.