Lonecreekite

lonecreekite

sabieite

tschermigite

clairite

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Formula: (NH4)Fe3+(SO4)2.12H2O
Hydrated sulphate
Crystal System: Isometric
Specific gravity: 1.693 measured, 1.691 calculated
Hardness: 2 to 3
Streak: White
Colour: Colourless
Solubility: Soluble in water, leaving brown Fe(OH)3, dehydrates to sabieite
Environments

Cave deposits

Localities

At the type locality, the Lone Creek Falls cave, Lone Creek Falls, Sabie, Thaba Chweu Local Municipality, Ehlanzeni District Municipality, Mpumalanga, South Africa, lonecreekite is of supergene origin and formed by the oxidation of pyrite, which interacts with ammonia produced from the decay of organic matter. Lonecreekite is likely to crystallise from this solution if the pH is below one (extremely acid), and clairite if the pH value is around 2 (not quite so strongly acid). Sabieite derives from the dehydration of lonecreekite (AM 71.229). Associated minerals include clairite, sabieite and tschermigite (HOM).

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