Clairite

clairite

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Formula: (NH4)2Fe3+3(SO4)4(OH)3.3H2O
Hydrated sulphate
Crystal System: Triclinic
Specific gravity: 2.31 measured, 2.32 calculated
Colour: Orange-yellow
Solubility: Very slowly soluble in water
Environments


Hydrothermal environments

Localities

At the type locality, the Lone Creek Falls cave, Lone Creek Falls, Sabie, Thaba Chweu Local Municipality, Ehlanzeni District Municipality, Mpumalanga, South Africa, clairite occurs as a rare secondary mineral formed on the ceiling of the cave by alteration of pyrite to ferric sulphate, and reaction, at pH ∼2 (strongly acid), with ammonia produced as the result of decay of organic matter. Associated minerals include lonecreekite, sabieite and tschermigite (HOM).

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