Ulexite [SEP] named after
Ulexite
Ulexite (NaCaBO(OH)·5HO, hydrated sodium calcium borate hydroxide), sometimes known as TV rock, is a mineral occurring in silky white rounded crystalline masses or in parallel fibers. The natural fibers of ulexite conduct light along their long axes, by internal reflection. Ulexite was named for the German chemist Georg Ludwig Ulex (1811–1883) who first discovered it.
Ulexite is a structurally complex mineral, with a basic structure containing chains of sodium, water and hydroxide octahedra. The chains are linked together by calcium, water,
Appleman described the structure of ulexite correctly in 1964.
See also.
- List of minerals
- List of minerals named after people
- Fiberscope a device that transmits images in the same way
- Calcite, another mineral with an optical property often illustrated in the same way.
External links.
- http://www.gc.maricopa.edu/earthsci/imagearchive/ulexite.htm
- http://www.minerals.net/mineral/borates/ulexite/ulexite.htm
- Természetes száloptika "Natural fiber optic bundle" – video of ulexite on homepage FizKapu .