Aerugite
| Aerugite | |
|---|---|
| General | |
| Category | Arsenate minerals |
| Formula (repeating unit) | Ni9(AsO4)2AsO6 |
| Strunz classification | 08.BC.15 |
| Identification | |
| Color | Grass green, blue-green |
| Crystal habit | Massive to crystalline crusts |
| Crystal system | Trigonal - hexagonal scalenohedral |
| Mohs scale hardness | 4 |
| Luster | Adamantine |
| Streak | light green, greenish white |
| Diaphaneity | Opaque to semitransparent |
| Specific gravity | 5.85 - 5.95 |
| References | [1][2][3] |
Aerugite is a rare complex nickel arsenate mineral with a variably reported formula: Ni9(AsO4)2AsO6. It forms green to deep blue-green trigonal crystals. It has a Mohs hardness of 4 and a specific gravity of 5.85 to 5.95.
It was first described in 1858 in either the South Terres mine of Cornwall, England or in Erzgebirge, Saxony, Germany. The origin is disputed. The most common occurrence is as an incrustation on furnace walls in which ores are roasted. Its name comes from the Greek word aerugo for copper rust.
References
- ↑ Mindat.org Aerugite page
- ↑ Webmineral Aerugite page
- ↑ http://rruff.geo.arizona.edu/doclib/hom/aerugite.pdf Handbook of Mineralogy