Nosean

Nosean is named after Karl Wilhelm Nose, mineralogist of Brunswick, Germany, who originally described the mineral.

Nosean forms colorless, white, gray, gray-brown, blue, black granular masses, crystals are rare.

May be confused with pale-coloured haüyne.
General Information
Chemical Formula
Na
 
8
Al
 
6
Si
 
6
O
 
24
(SO
 
4
) · H
 
2
O
Anthony et al, Handbook of Mineralogy (2001)
Physical Properties of Nosean
Mohs Hardness5.5
Anthony et al, Handbook of Mineralogy (2001)
Specific Gravity2.30 to 2.40
Anthony et al, Handbook of Mineralogy (2001)
TenacityBrittle
Anthony et al, Handbook of Mineralogy (2001)
Cleavage QualityIndistinct
Anthony et al, Handbook of Mineralogy (2001)
FractureUneven,Conchoidal
Anthony et al, Handbook of Mineralogy (2001)
Optical Properties of Nosean
Optical CharacterIsotropic
Anthony et al, Handbook of Mineralogy (2001)
BirefringenceWeak
Anthony et al, Handbook of Mineralogy (2001) May show weak birefringence in samples containing inclusions
Colour
Colour (General)Colorless, white, gray, gray-brown, blue, black from iron contamination, may be irregularly distributed; colorless to blue in thin section.
Anthony et al, Handbook of Mineralogy (2001)
TransparencyTransparent,Translucent
Anthony et al, Handbook of Mineralogy (2001)
LustreVitreous
Anthony et al, Handbook of Mineralogy (2001)
Crystallography of Nosean
Crystal SystemIsometric
Anthony et al, Handbook of Mineralogy (2001)
HabitCrystals are dodecahedra, to 2 mm; commonly as grains, or massive.
Anthony et al, Handbook of Mineralogy (2001)
Geological Environment
Where found:In silica-deficient alkalic volcanic rocks, principally phonolites
Anthony et al, Handbook of Mineralogy (2001)
Further Information
Mineral information:Nosean information at mindat.org
Copyright © Jolyon & Katya Ralph 1993-2024. Site Map. Photographs are copyright of the individuals who submitted them. For more information please contact the . Gemdat.org is an online information resource dedicated to providing free gemmological information to all.