Benstonite
ID: 8
Benstonite
Chemical Formula
Ba₆Ca₆Mg(CO₃)₁₃
Hardness (Mohs)
3-4
Crystal System
Trigonal
Streak
White
Luster
Vitreous
Diaphaneity
Translucent to opaque
Color
White to ivory, very pale yellow, pale yellowish brown
Crystal Habit / Mode of Occurrence
Tabular
Fun Facts
It’s named after Orlando J. Benston, an ore dressing metallurgist, and found in places like Canada, China, India, and the United States.