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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
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).
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).
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