What is "moganite"

n. (context mineralogy English) A crystalline form of silica that has a different crystal structure than that of quartz

Moganite is a silicate mineral with the chemical formula Si O ( silicon dioxide) that was discovered in 1984. It crystallises in the monoclinic crystal system. Moganite is considered a polymorph of quartz: it has the same chemical composition as quartz, but a different crystal structure.

In 1994, the International Mineralogical Association (IMA) had disapproved it as being a separate species because it was not clearly distinguishable from quartz. It has only recently (2007) been approved as a valid species by the CNMNC, the Commission on New Minerals, Nomenclature and Classification (part of the IMA).

This mineral has been mainly found in dry locales such as Gran Canaria and Lake Magadi. It has been reported from a variety of locations in Europe, India and the United States. It was named for the municipality of Mogán on Gran Canaria. Physically, it has a hardness of about 6, a dull luster and appears gray in color but transparent.