Chrysocolla

Formula:  (Cu,Al)2H2Si2O5(OH)4 . nH2O

Origin of name:  From Greek for gold and glue

 

Crystal system:  Orthorhombic

Crystal class:  Unknown

Twinning:

Unit cell: a = 5.8 Ǻ, b = 17.8 Ǻ, c = 8.1 Ǻ

 

Colour:  Shades of blue, blue-green, green

Diaphaneity:

Luster:  Vitreous, earthy

Habit:  Crystals microscopic, acicular, in radiating groups or aggregates; cryptocrystalline; opal-like; earthy; botryoidal; crystal

Hardness:  2 to 4

Specific gravity:  2.01 to 2.4

Cleavage:  None

Tenacity:  Conchoidal to uneven; brittle

Streak:  White

 

Synonyms/varieties:  Demidovite, Bisbeeite

 

Comments:

 

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