Dawsonite

dawsonite

calcite

dolomite

cinnabar

Images
Formula: NaAl(CO₃)(OH)₂
Anhydrous carbonate containing hydroxyl
Crystal System: Orthorhombic
Specific gravity: 2.436 measured, 2.431 calculated
Hardness: 3
Streak: White
Colour: Colourless, white
Solubility: Soluble in acids with effervescence
Environments

Hydrothermal environments

Dawsonite is a low temperature hydrothermal carbonate formed from decomposing aluminous silicates.

At McGill University campus, Quebec, Canada, dawsonite is found as coatings on joint surfaces of a feldspar dyke associated with calcite, dolomite, pyrite, galena and manganese oxides.

In Solingen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, dawsonite occurs in veins associated with late Tertiary basalt.

At Santa Fiora, Tuscany, Italy, dawsonite is associated with calcite, dolomite, pyrite, fluorite and cinnabar (Dana).

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