KLEBELSBERGITE Meaning and
Definition
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Klebelsbergite is a mineral that belongs to the cancrinite group and is classified as a carbonate mineral. It was named after Hungarian politician and minister of education, Count Klebelsberg István. This mineral is relatively rare and is commonly found as an accessory mineral in alkaline igneous rocks and nepheline syenites.
Klebelsbergite has a chemical formula of [(Ca,Na)3(CO3)2(Na,CO3)(H2O)2]. It forms as prismatic, tabular, or bladed crystals, often with a vitreous to pearly luster. The color of klebelsbergite ranges from colorless to white or pale yellow, and it has a white streak. It is transparent to translucent, with a hardness of around 4.5 on the Mohs scale. Its specific gravity is approximately 2.52.
The crystal structure of klebelsbergite is trigonal, with space group R3m. It has interconnected cavities within its crystal lattice, which can hold water molecules or other ions. These water molecules can be removed upon heating, resulting in a decrease in weight.
Klebelsbergite is considered a relatively rare mineral that is not widely known or utilized in commercial applications. Its main importance lies in its scientific significance and as a collector's mineral due to its unique crystal structure and association with certain geological formations.
In summary, klebelsbergite is a rare carbonate mineral that forms in alkaline igneous rocks. It is named after Count Klebelsberg István and is characterized by its prismatic crystals, vitreous to pearly luster, and color range of colorless to pale yellow.
Etymology of KLEBELSBERGITE
The word "klebelsbergite" is named after Ignaz von Klebelsberg, a Hungarian geographer and politician. Klebelsberg was instrumental in the establishment of several scientific institutions in Hungary, including the Hungarian Geological Institute. Klebelsbergite is a mineral that was discovered in Transylvania, specifically in the region of Nagyág (nowadays Zlatna in Romania), where it was first described in 1896 by the Hungarian geologist and mineralogist Jenő Hunyadi. The mineral was named in honor of Ignaz von Klebelsberg for his contributions to the geological sciences in Hungary.
