Airdite

airdite

copper

cuprite

fluorapatite

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Formula: Sr(V4+O)2(PO4)2.4H2O
Hydrated vanadate phosphate
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Specific gravity: 3.116 calculated
Hardness: 3
Streak: Pale green
Colour: Pale green
Environments

Hydrothermal environments

Airdite is a new mineral, approved in 2020 and to date (April 2025) reported only from the type locality.

Localities

The type locality, the Spring Creek Mine, Wilmington, District Council of Mount Remarkable, South Australia, is located within the contact zone of quartzite and slate. Mineralisation occurs in a heavily brecciated, hydrothermal vein. Primary ore comprises native copper and cuprite, and minor chalcocite, chalcopyrite, covellite, and pyrite. Secondary minerals occur in small cavities in quartz veins and have crystallised from low-temperature hydrothermal solutions. The secondary mineralogy comprises oxide, carbonate, sulphate and phosphate minerals.
Airdite occurs in cavities in a quartz matrix, associated with copper, cuprite and fluorapatite. Airdite occurs as aggregates of pale green, thin platy crystals up to 0.5 mm across. Individual crystals are up to 80 microns across. Crystals are transparent, with a vitreous lustre and pale-green streak (CJMP 63.191-192).

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