Aerugite
Aerugite is a rare complex nickel arsenate mineral with a variably reported formula: Ni9(AsO4)2AsO6. It forms green to deep blue-green trigonal crystals. It has a Mohs hardness of 4 and a specific gravity of 5.85 to 5.95.
| Aerugite | |
|---|---|
 | |
| General | |
| Category | Arsenate minerals |
| Formula (repeating unit) | Ni9(AsO4)2AsO6 |
| Strunz classification | 8.BC.15 |
| Crystal system | Trigonal |
| Crystal class | Hexagonal scalenohedral (3m) H-M symbol: (3 2/m) |
| Space group | R3m |
| Identification | |
| Color | Grass green, blue-green |
| Crystal habit | Massive to crystalline crusts |
| Mohs scale hardness | 4 |
| Luster | Adamantine |
| Streak | light green, greenish white |
| Diaphaneity | Opaque to semitransparent |
| Specific gravity | 5.85 - 5.95 |
| References | [1][2][3] |
It was first described in 1858 in either the South Terres mine of Cornwall, England or in Erzgebirge, Saxony, Germany. The origin is disputed. The most common occurrence is as an incrustation on furnace walls in which ores are roasted. Its name comes from the Latin word aerugo for copper rust.
References
- Mindat.org Aerugite page
- Webmineral Aerugite page
- http://rruff.geo.arizona.edu/doclib/hom/aerugite.pdf Handbook of Mineralogy
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