Images
Formula: [Mg8Cu12(PO4)(CO3)4(OH)24(H2O)20][(H0.33SO4)3(H2O)36]
Valence: [Mg8Cu2+12(PO4)(CO3)4(OH)24(H2O)20][(H0.33S6+O4)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
Localities
At Lichtloch 26, Mansfeld, Mansfeld-Südharz, Saxony-Anhalt, Germany, microscopic interpenetrating blue
ramazzoite crystals have been found
(Mindat photo).
Ramazzoite from Lichtloch 26 - Image
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).
Back to Minerals