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Xonotlite
A calcium silicate forming needle-felted masses — named in 1866 for Tetela de Xonotla, Mexico.
Intro adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA).
Xonotlite is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the silicate class, with the chemical formula Ca₆Si₆O₁₇(OH)₂.
It crystallizes in the triclinic crystal system (space group A2/a).
Key properties: Mohs hardness 6–6.5; specific gravity 2.71–2.72; Pearly, greasy luster; optically biaxial.
IMA symbol Xon, grandfathered status — known before the IMA’s founding, named in 1866.
Found in contact metamorphic deposits within limestones, serpentinites, and metavolcanic rocks.
It is found associated with Tobermorite, clinohedrite, wollastonite, diopside, thaumasite, laumontite, stilbite, apophyllite.
The name refers to the Mexican locality at Tetela de Xonotla, from which it was first described.