Aksaite

Aksaite (Mg[B₆O₇(OH)₆]·2H₂O) is a mineral found in Kazakhstan.

Aksaite
Pale grey crystals of aksaite
General
Category	Nesoborates
Formula	Mg[B6O7(OH)6]·2H2O
IMA symbol	Aks[1]
Strunz classification	6.FA.05
Dana classification	26.6.4.1
Crystal system	Orthorhombic Dipyramidal class
Space group	Orthorhombic H-M symbol: (2/m 2/m 2/m) Space group: Pbca
Identification
Color	Colorless, white to pale grey
Cleavage	Distinct/Good; Probable on {100} and {010}
Mohs scale hardness	2.5
Streak	White
Diaphaneity	Transparent to translucent
Optical properties	Biaxial (−)
Birefringence	δ = 0.055
2V angle	Measured = 88°; Calculated = 78°
Dispersion	None
References	[2][3]

Etymology and History

Aksaite is named after the place it was discovered, Ak-say (lit. White Glen). It was found in 1963 in Chelkar Salt Dome, Ak-say Valley, Kazakhstan.