Mineral Species: Hydrotalcite

Chemical Formula: Mg6Al2(CO3)(OH)16 •4H2O

Chemical Name: Magnesium Aluminium Carbonate Hydroxide

Mineral Class: Carbonate

Mineral Notes: Hydrotalcite occurs as a secondary mineral in Serpentinite. It is dimorphous with Manasseite and belongs to the Hydrotalcite group. The name reflects the water present in the HYDROus mineral with a resemblance to talc.

Description: A foliated mass of Hydrotalcite probably intergrown with Manasseite. The mineral appears as white talc-like masses embedded in the Manasseite matrix. The Hydrotalcite has a very pronounced silk-like feel and luster, very similar to talc. However, it appears to be notably harder, which differentiates thw two minerals apart.

Location: Dypingdal, Snarum, Buskerud, Norway (Type Location).