Kernite - Encyclopedia

    Class : Carbonates, nitrates, borates
    Subclass : Borates
    Crystal system : Monoclinic
    Chemistry : Na₂B₄O₆(OH)₂ 3H₂O
    Rarity : Quite common

Kernite is, like the vast majority of borates, an evaporitic mineral (formed by evaporation of salt lakes in a desert environment). The waters of these lakes contain large quantities of borated brines linked to volcanic phenomena. In its salt lake deposits, kernite is associated with numerous salts: borates (ulexite, borax, colemanite, etc...), halite, glauberite, thenardite, gypsum, etc... It must its name to its location of discovery : the Kramer deposit in Kern County (California). Kernite occurs in striated crystals or cleavable masses, sometimes very leafy, chalky white, slowly soluble in cold water, of low density (1.9) like most borates. Its shine is glassy, satiny on the cleavage. Kernite is currently the most important boron ore. It is converted into borax which is the commercial form of boron.

Main photo : Kernite from Rio Tinto Borax Mine, California, USA © Pedro Gonzales

Twins have been known on {011}.

No fakes recorded for this mineral species.