Aluminium silicate

Aluminium Silicate

Aluminium silicate sample

Aluminium silicate is a chemical compound composed of aluminium, silicon, and oxygen, with the chemical formula Al_SiO_. It is a naturally occurring mineral that is found in various forms, including andalusite, kyanite, and sillimanite. These minerals are polymorphs, meaning they have the same chemical composition but different crystal structures.

Structure and Properties

Aluminium silicate minerals are characterized by their unique crystal structures, which are determined by the arrangement of the aluminium, silicon, and oxygen atoms. The different polymorphs of aluminium silicate have distinct physical properties, such as hardness and density, due to their varying crystal structures.

Andalusite

Andalusite is a polymorph of aluminium silicate that forms under low pressure and high temperature conditions. It is typically found in metamorphic rocks and is known for its distinctive prismatic crystals. Andalusite is often used as a refractory material due to its high thermal stability.

Kyanite

Kyanite is another polymorph of aluminium silicate, which forms under high pressure and low temperature conditions. It is commonly found in metamorphic rocks such as schists and gneisses. Kyanite is known for its blue color and is used in the production of heat-resistant ceramics and as a gemstone.

Sillimanite

Sillimanite forms under high temperature and pressure conditions and is typically found in high-grade metamorphic rocks. It is used in the manufacture of refractory materials and ceramics due to its high melting point and thermal stability.

Applications

Aluminium silicate minerals are used in a variety of industrial applications due to their thermal stability and resistance to chemical attack. They are commonly used in the production of ceramics, refractories, and as fillers in the rubber and plastics industries.

Related Pages

• Andalusite
• Kyanite
• Sillimanite
• Silicate minerals
• Metamorphic rock

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  Aluminium silicate