Topic summary
Kernite
Kernite, also known as rasorite, is a hydrated sodiumboratehydroxidemineral with formula Na
2B
4O
6(OH)
2·3H
2O. It is a colorless to white mineral crystallizing in the monoclinic crystal system typically occurring as prismatic to acicular crystals or granular masses. It is relatively soft with Mohs hardness of 2.5 to 3 and light with a specific gravity of 1.91. It exhibits perfect cleavage and a brittle fracture.
Kernite is soluble in cold water and alters to tincalconite when it dehydrates. It undergoes a non-reversible alteration to (Na
2B
4O
7·5H
2O) when heated to above 100 °C.