Tlapallite

Formula: H6(Ca,Pb)2(Cu,Zn)3(SO4)(TeO3)4(TeO6)

Origin of name: from Nahua word  tlapalli = paint, in allusion to its paint-like coating of rock surfaces

 

Crystal system: Monoclinic

Crystal class: unknown

Twinning:

Unit cell: a = 11.97, b = 9.11, c = 15.66, β = 90.04°

 

Colour: Green, Veridian green to Cyprus green

Diaphaneity: Semitransparent

Luster: Vitreous

Habit: Crystals minute, radiating aggregates of scales, form thin films

Hardness: 3

Specific gravity: 5.38

Cleavage: None

Tenacity: 

Streak: Pale green

 

Synonyms/varieties:

 

Comments:  Very rare in partially oxidized portions of a tellurium-bearing polymetallic hydrothermal sulfide deposit (Moctezuma mine, Mexico); an alteration product of tellurides in calcsilicate tactite (Tombstone, Arizona).

 

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