Kidwellite

Kidwellite
General
CategoryMinerals
FormulaNaFe3+9+x(PO4)6(OH)4·12H2O
(x ≈ 0.33)
IMA symbolKdw
Strunz classification08.DK.20
Dana classification42.08.02.01
Crystal systemMonoclinic
Crystal classPrismatic
H-M Symbol: 2/m
Space groupP2/c
Unit cell1,393.77
Identification
Formula mass1,368.34
ColorGreenish white, light green, greenish yellow, yellow
CleavagePerfect on {100}
FractureSplintery
Mohs scale hardness3
LusterResinous, waxy, silky, dull
StreakYellow
DiaphaneityTranslucent
Specific gravity3.04 – 3.3
DensityMeasured: 3.04 – 3.3
Calculated: 3.34
Optical propertiesBiaxial (−)
Refractive indexnα = 1.787
nβ = 1.800
nγ = 1.805
Birefringence0.018
PleochroismNone
DispersionExtreme
Ultraviolet fluorescenceNone
Common impuritiesAluminum, Copper, Arsenic

Kidwellite in an uncommon mineral that was discovered in Arkansas in the United States. It was approved by the IMA in 1974, but it was only named in 1978 by Moore and Ito after Albert Lewis (Laws) Kidwell.