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Formula: Mn2+(SO4).4H2O
Hydrated manganese sulphate,
rozenite group
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Specific gravity: 2.25 measured on artificial material, 2.26 calculated
Hardness: 2 to 3
Colour: Green, becoming white through dehydration
Solubility: Very readily soluble even in cold water. The aqueous solution effervesces with sodium carbonate and
reddens blue litmus paper.
Environments
Ilesite is a rare secondary mineral in the oxidised
zones of sulphide deposits
(HOM).
It may dehydrate to szmikite and may itself be a dehydration product of
jôkokuite
(Mindat).
Localities
At Chvaletice, Pardubice District, Pardubice Region, Czech Republic, ilesite is associated with
rozenite, epsomite,
copiapite, gypsum,
melanterite and
chvaleticeite
(HOM).
Ilesite from Chvaletice - Image
At the type locality, the McDonnell claim, Hall Valley, Montezuma Mining District, Park County, Colorado, USA,
ilesite occurs as loosely adhering, very friable, thick prisms, frequently terminated by truncated pyramids.
Associated minerals include galena,
pyrite,
quartz, sphalerite
and willemite
(Mindat).
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