Ernstburkeite
Ernstburkeite is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the organic mineral class, with the chemical formula Mg(CH₃SO₃)₂·12H₂O.
It crystallizes in the hexagonal crystal system (space group R-3).
Key properties: Mohs hardness 2; specific gravity 1.364; White streak; Waxy luster; optically uniaxial.
IMA symbol Ebu, IMA status: approved, named in 2010.
Occurs as solid inclusions in an ice core (from a depth of 576.5 m), presumably formed by the fixation of CH3SO3H on alkaline particles of marine or continental origin during long-range aerosol transport to the polar region.
It is found associated with Gypsum, ice.
The mineral was named to honor Ernst A.J. Burke (b. 1943), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Index entry. This entry combines official IMA/RRUFF species data with published physical-property data — a full written entry hasn’t been published yet.
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