KERNITE
Specimen ker-2

Dims: 2.5 x 1.3 x 0.6" (6.4 x 3.4 x 1.5 cm)

Wt: 1.2 oz. (35 g)

U.S. Borax Mine, Kern County, California, U.S.A.

A section of a prismatic Kernite crystals makes up this hand specimen. Though a few areas show obvious cleavage, it does not have the compact, fibrous habit of most such specimens. Even so, its monoclinic prismatic form is warped, likely due to intergrowth. The piece is colorless, transparent and moderately clear, containing internal fractures and dark green-gray inclusions, and has a waxy luster on its uncleaved areas and a greasy-to-pearly luster on its cleaved ones. There is no host rock present.

Dims: 5.8 x 1.9 x 0.8" (14.7 x 4.7 x 2.0 cm)

Wt: 4.6 oz. (132 g)

Boron, Kern County, California, U.S.A.

This Kernite aggregate is in very good condition, showing little human-induced damage. Though no actual crystals are discernable, its crystalline habit is relatively well-defined, showing the standard parallel striations. It has the standard milky-white color and matte luster of the specie, and is dimly transparent. There is no host rock present.