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Not to be confused with Morganite.
Category Silicate mineral
(repeating unit)
Strunz classification 04.DA.20
Dana classification
Colour Grey
Crystal habit Massive
Crystal system Monoclinic - prismatic (2/m)
Mohs scale hardness 6
Luster Earthy, dull
Streak White
Diaphaneity Transparent
Optical properties Biaxial
Refractive index nα = 1.524 nγ = 1.531
References [1][2]

Moganite is a silicate mineral with the chemical formula SiO2 (silicon dioxide) that was discovered in 1984.[1] 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.[2]

In 1994, the International Mineralogical Association (IMA) had disapproved it as being a separate species because it was not clearly distinguishable from quartz.[3] It has only recently been approved as a valid species by the CNMNC, the Commission on New Minerals, Nomenclature and Classification (part of the IMA).[4]

Chemical arrangement of Moganite

This mineral has been mainly found in dry locales such as Gran Canaria and Lake Magadi.[5] It has been reported from a variety of locations in Europe, India and the United States.[1] It was named for the municipality of Mogán on Gran Canaria.[2] Physically, it has a hardness of about 6, a dull luster and appears gray in color but transparent.


  1. ^ a b c Ralph, Jolyon, and Ida Ralph. "Moganite: Moganite Mineral Information and Data." MinDat. 2007. Aug. 2007 <>.
  2. ^ a b c Webmineral data
  3. ^ Origlieri, Marcus. "Moganite: a New Mineral -- Not!" Lithosphere (1994). Aug. 2007 <>.
  4. ^ Nickel, Ernest H., and Monte C. Nichols. "IMA/CNMNC List of Mineral Names." Materials Data. June 2007. Aug. 2007[dead link]
  5. ^ Heaney, Peter J., and Jeffrey E. Post. "The Widespread Distribution of a Novel Silica Polymorph in Microcrystalline Quartz Varieties." Science ns 255 (1992): 441-443. JSTOR. Aug. 2007. Keyword: moganite.

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