Sillimanite is an alumino-silicate mineral with the chemical formula Al2SiO5. Sillimanite is named after the American chemist Benjamin Silliman (1779â€"1864). It was first described in 1824 for an occurrence in Chester, Middlesex County, Connecticut, USA.
Occurrence
Sillimanite is one of three aluminosilicate polymorphs, the other two being andalusite and kyanite. A common variety of sillimanite is known as fibrolite, so named because the mineral appears like a bunch of fibres twisted together when viewed in thin section or even by the naked eye. Both the fibrous and traditional forms of sillimanite are common in metamorphosed sedimentary rocks. It is an index mineral indicating high temperature but variable pressure. Example rocks include gneiss and granulite. It occurs with andalusite, kyanite, potassium feldspar, almandine, cordierite, biotite and quartz in schist, gneiss, hornfels and also rarely in pegmatites.
Sillimanite has been found in Brandywine Springs, New Castle County, Delaware, USA. It was named by the State Legislature in 1977 as the state mineral of Delaware by suggestion of the Delaware Mineralogical Society, Inc.
Natural sillimanite rocks cut into the required shape and size are used mainly in glass industries. Sillimanite is the best raw material for the manufacture of high alumina refractories or 55-60% alumina bricks. But its use on large scale is not possible due to its fine grading and high cost. Dumortierite and mullite are similar mineral species used in quality porcelain.
See also
- List of minerals
- List of minerals named after people
References
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