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Formula: C5H3(NH2)N4O
Organic compound
Crystal System: Monoclinic
Specific gravity: 1.485 (Webmin)
Hardness: 1 to 2
Streak: White
Colour: White
Melting point: 360oC
Environments
Guanite is an organic cyclic carbon compound with additional, non-carbon atom, and an important constituent of
both DNA and RNA (Mindat). It is an uncommon component of phosphatic crusts associated with guano from seabirds
or bats
(HOM).
Spacing change of guanine crystals in the skin of chameleons is responsible for their showcase colour change
(Nature Communications volume 6, Article 6368.
Localities
At Murra-el-elevyn Cave, Cocklebiddy Roadhouse, Dundas Shire, Western Australia, guanine formed as a reaction of
bat guano and urine with limestone in the cave (Dana).
Associated minerals include aphthitalite,
biphosphammite, brushite,
gypsum, monetite,
syngenite, taylorite and
hannayite
(HOM).
At Petrogale Cave, Madura Roadhouse, Dundas Shire, Western Australia, guanine formed in guano derived from
seabirds (Dana). Associated minerals include biphosphammite,
archerite, aphthitalite,
halite, syngenite,
stercorite, oxammite,
weddellite, whitlockite,
mundrabillaite, newberyite
and calcite
(HOM).
At the type locality, North Chincha Island, Chincha Islands, San Clemente District, Pisco Province, Ica, Peru,
guanine formed in seabird guano
(Mindat).
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