Orthoserpierite

orthoserpierite

devilline

chrysocolla

malachite

Images

Formula: CaCu4(SO4)2(OH)6.3H2O
Hydrated sulphate containing hydroxyl, devilline group, orthorhombic paramorph of monoclinic serpierite
Crystal System: Orthorhombic
Specific gravity: 3.00 measured, 3.07 calculated
Streak: Light green
Colour: Pale blue-green
Luminescence: Fluorescent mauve in long wave and short wave UV (Dana)
Environments

Hydrothermal environments

Localities

At the type locality, the Chessy copper mines, Chessy, Villefranche-sur-Saône, Rhône, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France, orthoserpierite occurs as a rare secondary mineral formed in the dump from a hydrothermal copper mine, associated with devilline, gypsum and calcite (AM 72.1026, HOM).

At the Childs-Adwinkle mine, Copper Creek, Bunker Hill District, Pinal County, Arizona, USA, orthoserpierite has been precipitated from vadose waters transecting the oxidised zone of the hydrothermal copper deposit. It was found growing on and under rocks at the mouth of the main haulage tunnel as beautiful blue-green, thin tabular crystals, less than 1 mm in length. Associated minerals include chrysocolla and malachite (HOM, R&M 96.2.155).

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