Description
Forsterite (Mg2SiO4) is the magnesium-rich endmemberof
the Olivine solidsolutionseries. Forsterite crystallizes
in the orthorhombic system(space group = Pbnm)
with cell parameters a = 4.75 ?(0.475 nm), b = 10.20 ?
(1.020 nm) and c = 5.98 ? (0.598 nm).
Forsterite is associated with igneous and metamorphic
rocks and has also been found in meteorites.
Forsterite is associated with igneous and metamorphic
rocks and has also been found in meteorites.
In 2005, it was also found in cometary dust returned
by the “Stardust” probe in space.
Physical properties
Habit: prismatic, tabular.
Color: white, yellow, or greenish yellow.
Diaphaneity: transparent to translucent.
Luster: vitreous (i.e., glassy).
Streak: white.
Cleavage: (010) good, (001) poor.
Fracture: conchoidal.
Chemical: attacked by concentrated HCl with formation of a gel of silica.
Melting point: 1898°C.
