Zincocopiapite

zincocopiapite

Images

Formula: ZnFe3+4(SO4)6(OH)2.20H2O
Hydrated sulphate of zinc and iron, copiapite group
Crystal system: Triclinic
Specific gravity: 2.181 measured, 2.15 calculated
Hardness: 2
Colour: Yellowish green, canary-yellow
Environments

Metamorphic environments
Hydrothermal environments
Hot springs

Localities

At the type locality, the Xitieshan Mine, Xitieshan, Da Qaidam, Haixi Mongol and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai, China, zincocopiapite is a rare secondary mineral formed in the oxidation zone of the lead-zinc deposit in the very arid climate. Associated minerals include copiapite, halotrichite, coquimbite, römerite, sideronatrite and melanterite (HOM).

At Les Valettes, Mont Chemin mining district, Martigny, Valais, Switzerland, zincocopiapite occurs in schist as an alteration product of pyrite and sphalerite. Associated minerals include boyleite, gunningite, coquimbite, jarosite, melanterite, römerite, siderotil, voltaite, chalcanthite, hexahydrite and gypsum (HOM).
Zincocopiapite from Les Valettes - Image

At the Köpet-Dag Range, Cheleken Peninsula, Balkan Region, Turkmenistan, zincocopiapite occurs as a precipitate from thermal hot springs, associated with sulphur, gypsum, calcite, pyrite, sphalerite, quartz and limonite (HOM).

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