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Formula: Cu2+Fe3+4(SO4)6(OH)2.20H2O
Hydrated sulphate containing hydroxyl, copiapite group
Crystal System: Triclinic
Specific gravity: 2.23 measured, 2.26 calculated
Hardness: 2½ to 3
Streak: Light yellow
Colour: Yellow-orange, greenish-yellow
Solubility: Soluble in water
Environments
Cuprocopiapite is a secondary mineral formed by the
reaction of copper sulphate solutions and copiapite in arid environments.
Associated minerals include copiapite,
parabutlerite, chalcanthite
and jarosite
(HOM).
Localities
At the type locality, the Chuquicamata mine, Chuquicamata District, Calama, El Loa Province, Antofagasta, Chile,
cuprocopiapite is a late supergene mineral that is
always associated with copiapite, and commonly with
parabutlerite, chalcanthite
and jarosite. It is later than
copiapite and parabutlerite,
and earlier than chalcanthite and
jarosite. It is probably formed by the reaction between
copiapite and sulphate solutions carrying
copper
(AM 23.737-739).
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