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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).
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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