Palygorskite mineral - You can buy these samples

Palygorskite is a relatively rare clay mineral with a ribbon-layered structure. Flexible. It is also known under its other name - mountain leather. Forms needle-shaped crystals of microscopic size. Forms confused-fibrous, leathery, earthy and leafy aggregates. It has a porous structure, which makes it float on water. Known since ancient times and used by the Mayan people for the production of paints. Currently used as an environmentally friendly material for heat and sound insulation. The porous properties of palygorskite are used to produce filters from it.

You can see palygorskite stone for sale and buy it in the Minerals of Russia online store.

Physical properties of Palygorskite

General
Category	Phyllosilicate
Formula (repeating unit)	(Mg,Al)₂Si₄O₁₀(OH)·4(H₂O)
IMA symbol	Plg
Strunz classification	9.EE.20
Crystal system	Monoclinic
Crystal class	Prismatic (2/m) (same H-M symbol)
Space group	C2/m
Unit cell	a = 12.78 Å, b = 17.86 Å, c = 5.24 Å; β = 95.78°; Z = 4
Identification
Color	White, grayish, yellowish, gray-green
Crystal habit	Lath shaped crystals, fibrous and compact masses
Cleavage	Distinct/good, good on {110}
Tenacity	Tough
Mohs scale hardness	2 - 2.5
Luster	Waxy, earthy
Diaphaneity	Translucent
Specific gravity	1 - 2.6
Optical properties	Biaxial (-)
Refractive index	n_α = 1.522 - 1.528 n_β = 1.530 - 1.546 n_γ = 1.533 - 1.548
Birefringence	δ = 0.011 - 0.020
Pleochroism	X= pale yellow Y=Z= pale yellow-green