NaCaB5O6OH2Cl

NaCaB5O6OH2Cl is a naturally occurring mineral. Its chemical formula indicates it is a sodium calcium borate hydroxide chloride. This compound is relatively rare and has been found in specific geological environments. Its crystal structure is complex, belonging to the monoclinic crystal system.

The mineral was first described and recognized as a new mineral species in 2012. It was discovered in the Sterling Hill mine in Ogdensburg, New Jersey, USA, a locality known for its rich and diverse mineralogy, particularly for borates and zinc minerals. The name "NaCaB5O6OH2Cl" reflects its elemental composition.

NaCaB5O6OH2Cl typically forms as small, transparent to translucent crystals, often prismatic or acicular in habit. The color can vary, but it is often described as colorless to white or pale yellow. It is a relatively soft mineral, with a Mohs hardness generally estimated to be around 4. Its density is also moderate.

The occurrence of NaCaB5O6OH2Cl is often associated with metamorphosed skarns and other ore-forming environments where boron-rich fluids interact with calcium and sodium-bearing rocks. Its presence can be an indicator of specific hydrothermal processes. Research into this mineral continues to explore its crystallographic properties and its geological context.