Coquimbite

coquimbite

copiapite

paracoquimbite

voltaite

Images

Formula: AlFe3+3(SO4)6(H2O)12.6H2O
Hydrated sulphate, coquimbite group, paramorph of paracoquimbite and epitaxial on it
Crystal System: Trigonal
Specific gravity: 2.11 measured, 2.12 calculated
Hardness: 2½
Streak: White
Colour: Light violet to purple, greenish white, bluish white, yellowish white, brownish white
Luminescence: Not fluorescent under UV
Solubility: Soluble in cold water and in acids
Common impurities: Al
Environments

Hydrothermal environments
Fumeroles rarely

Coquimbite typically is a secondary mineral in the oxidised portions of weathering iron sulphide deposits in arid regions; rarely in fumeroles. Associated minerals include copiapite, paracoquimbite, voltaite, szomolnokite and römerite (HOM).

Localities

The type locality is Coquimbo, Chile.

At the Monte Arsiccio Mine, Sant'Anna di Stazzema, Stazzema, Lucca Province, Tuscany, Italy, coquimbite has been found with römerite, krausite and halotrichite (Mindat photo).
Coquimbite from the Monte Arsiccio Mine - Image

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