Cyanotrichite

Cyanotrichite (also Lettsomit or Kupfersamterz ) is a rarely occurring mineral from the mineral class of sulfates. It crystallizes in the orthorhombic crystal system with the chemical composition Cu4Al2 (SO4 ) (OH) 12 • 2 H2O and developed characteristic blue, up to three inches long, needle -like crystals, often thread-like radial- tufts or finely crystalline, foliated encrustations on other minerals form.

The mineral forms together with Camerolait and carbonate Cyanotrichite the Cyanotrichite group.

Etymology and history

Kupfersamterz, which came from the type locality Moldova Nouă in Romania was first described in 1808 by Abraham Gottlob Werner. In the present name, the mineral was baptized in 1830 by Ernst Friedrich Glocker. This derives from the Greek κύανος [ kúanos ] (from Mycenaean " ku -wa- no". ) For " Dark metal; Email " by Homer and " Blue Mountain; Azurite " and θρίξ [t ʰ RIX ], genitive τρίχος [ trik ʰ os] from for hair.

Classification

Under the old classification of minerals according to Strunz (8th Edition) Cyanotrichite of the mineral class of " sulfates, selenates, tellurates, chromates, molybdates and tungstates " and then the Department of heard " hydrous sulfates with foreign anions " to. In the new classification of minerals according to Strunz ( 9th edition ) this large class was divided accurately, so that the Cyanotrichtit now in the subdivision of " unclassified Sulfate ( selenates, etc.) with additional anions, with H2O with medium-sized cations " finds - unclassified because the exact crystal structure could not yet be determined.

The classification of minerals according to Dana assigns the mineral also in the class of sulfates and there in the department of " hydrous sulfates having hydroxyl groups or halogens contained ".

Education and Locations

Cyanotrichite forms as a secondary mineral in the oxidized parts of copper sulfide deposits. It is associated with Brochantite, Spangolith, Chalkophyllit, Olivenit, tyrolit, Parnauit, azurite and malachite.

There are known various localities of Cyanotrichite. They are, among others, in Austria, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, the United Kingdom, the United States and Australia.

Crystal structure

Cyanotrichite crystallizes in the orthorhombic crystal system with the lattice parameters a = 10.16 Å, b = 12.61 Å and c = 2.90 Å, and one formula unit per unit cell. The exact space group is not known.

Use

For use as a raw material of Cyanotrichite is too rare. If he is associated with other, more productive copper ores, it is also degraded with them. Due to its color and shape of the mineral collectors is searched.