Allophane from Mexico
Allophane has short-range atomic order, it is a mineraloid, rather than a mineral, and can be identified by its distinctive infrared spectrum and its X-ray diffraction pattern. It forms waxy botryoidal to crusty masses with the colour varying from white through green, blue, yellow, to brown.
This specimen shows great under UV light. I will get some pics of this up soon.
I acquired this specimen from Tony at The Mineral Store Australia at the August 2016 Sydney Crystal Show.
Specimen Details
Chemical Formula: (Al2O3)(SiO2)1.3-2 · 2.5-3H2O
ID #: JG0009
Colour: White, light-blue, green, brown
Hardness: 3
Acquisition Date: 06/08/2016
Crystal System: Amorphous
Lustre: Waxy
Dimensions: 39mm x 28mm x 15mm
Weight: 11g
Location: Mexico
Rarity of Mineral
Did you know!?
Copper-bearing varieties can sometimes be confused with chrysocolla and colourless varieties can sometimes be confused with hyalite.