Kanemite
Kanemite is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the silicate class, with the chemical formula NaSi₂O₄(OH)·3H₂O.
It crystallizes in the orthorhombic crystal system (space group Pbcn).
Key properties: Mohs hardness 4; specific gravity 1.926; Silky luster; optically biaxial.
IMA symbol Knm, IMA status: approved, named in 1971.
Found in evaporites in an interdunary depression (Andjia, Chad).
It is found associated with Gaylussite, trona (Andjia, Chad); magadiite, analcime, mordenite (Lake Bogoria, Kenya).
The name commemorates Kanem, a region on the northeastern edge of Lake Chad, Chad, where the mineral was discovered.
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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