Dolerophanite

dolerophanite

chalcocyanite

euchlorine

eriochalcite

Images

Formula: Cu2O(SO4)
Anhydrous sulphate
Crystal System: Monoclinic
Specific gravity: 4.17 measured, 4.16 calculated
Hardness: 3
Streak: Yellowish brown
Colour: Dark brown, nearly black, yellow-brown in transmitted light
Solubility: Slowly decomposed by cold water, leaving a blue solution and residue, also decomposed by moist air
Environments

Fumeroles

Dolerophanite is a secondary copper mineral in active volcanic fumaroles.

Localities

At the type locality, Mt Vesuvius, Somma-Vesuvius Complex, Naples, Campania, Italy, dolerophanite occurs as a sublimate in active volcanic fumaroles. Associated minerals include chalcocyanite, euchlorine and eriochalcite (HOM).
Dolerophanite from Mount Vesuvius - Image

At the Tolbachik volcano, Kamchatka Krai, Russia, dolerophanite is associated with chalcocyanite, euchlorine, eriochalcite, vergasovaite, fedotovite, melanothallite, piypite, ponomarevite, cotunnite, sofiite, halite, sylvite, tenorite, copper-bearing anglesite and gold (HOM).
Dolerophanite from the Tolbachik Volcano - Image

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