Ramazzoite

ramazzoite

chlorartinite

dypingite

nesquehonite

Images

Formula: [Mg8Cu12(PO4)(CO3)4(OH)24(H2O)20][(H0.33SO4)3(H2O)36]
Sulphate, contains a novel [Mg8Cu12(PO4)(CO3)4(OH)24(H2O)20]5+ polyoxometalate cation
Crystal System: Isometric
Specific gravity: 1.98 measured
Hardness: 2½
Streak: Pale blue
Colour: Blue to greenish blue
Luminescence:
Solubility: Soluble with mild effervescence in dilute hydrochloric acid at room temperature
Environments

Metamorphic environments
Hydrothermal environments

Ramazzoite is a relatively new mineral, approved in 2017 and to date (February 2024) reported only from the type locality.

Localities

At the type locality, the Mt. Ramazzo Mine, Borzoli, Genoa, Genoa, Liguria, Italy, ramazzoite occurs as a late-stage, secondary mineral crystallising from low-temperature, aqueous solutions hosted in serpentinite in contact with basalt dikes and pillow lavas. It occurs on magnetite-rich matrix in association with chlorartinite, chrysotile, dypingite, goethite, lepidocrocite and nesquehonite. Ramazzoite forms as simple cubes up to about 0.15 mm on edge; it is blue to greenish-blue with a vitreous to oily lustre and pale blue streak (EJM 30: 827–834, HOM).

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