colemaniet

Colemanite is a mineral that is a hydrated calcium borate. Its chemical formula is Ca2B6O11·5H2O. It is typically found as white, opaque to translucent crystals, often with a powdery appearance. It can also occur in massive or granular forms. Colemanite is a relatively soft mineral, with a Mohs hardness of 3.5 to 4. It has a specific gravity of around 2.4.

This mineral is a significant ore of boron. Boron is an essential element used in various industrial applications, including the production of glass, ceramics, detergents, and fertilizers. Colemanite is mined in several locations around the world, with major deposits found in the United States (California), Turkey, and Kazakhstan. The mineral is typically extracted through open-pit mining operations.

The formation of colemanite is associated with arid or semi-arid environments where boron-rich waters evaporate. It is often found in sedimentary deposits alongside other borate minerals like ulexite and probertite. The processing of colemanite involves crushing and then dissolving it in hot water to extract the boron compounds. These compounds are then further refined to produce various borate products. Colemanite was named in honor of the American geologist William T. Coleman.