Tyrolite
Tyrolite is a hydrated calcium copper arsenate carbonate mineral with formula: CaCu5(AsO4)2CO3(OH)4·6H2O. Tyrolite forms glassy blue to green orthorhombic radial crystals and botryoidal masses. It has a Mohs hardness of 1.5 to 2 and a specific gravity of 3.1 to 3.2. It is translucent with refractive indices of nα=1.694 nβ=1.726 and nγ=1.730.
| Tyrolite | |
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| General | |
| Category | Arsenate minerals |
| Formula (repeating unit) | CaCu5(AsO4)2CO3(OH)4·6H2O |
| Strunz classification | 8.DM.10 |
| Crystal system | Monoclinic |
| Crystal class | Prismatic (2/m) (same H-M symbol) |
It is a secondary mineral formed by the weathering of associated copper and arsenic minerals. It was first described in 1845 for an occurrence in Schwaz, Tyrol, Austria.
Chrysocolla on Tyrolite and Clinotyrolite, San Simon Mine, Santa Rosa-Huantajaya District, Iquique Province, Chile. 4.0 x 2.6 x 2.6 cm. Click image for details of the mineral chemistry.
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