Moolooite

Moolooite
Blue massive moolooite (field of view 12 mm)
General
CategoryOxalate mineral
Formula
(repeating unit)		Cu(C2O4) · 0.4H2O
IMA symbolMoo[1]
Strunz classification10.AB.15
Crystal systemOrthorhombic
Crystal classDipyramidal (mmm)
H-M symbol: (2/m 2/m 2/m)
Space groupPnnm
Identification
Colorgreen
Specific gravity3.43 (calculated)
Density2.6
References[2]

Moolooite is a rare blue-green mineral with the formula Cu(C2O4)·n(H2O) (n<1) (copper(II) oxalate hydrate). It was discovered in Bunbury Well, Mooloo Downs station, Murchison, Western Australia in 1986.[3] It has an orthorhombic crystalline structure, and is formed by the interaction of bird guano with weathering copper sulfides.

A second occurrence is reported from the Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines silver mining district of Vosges Mountains, France.[3]

References

  1. ^ Warr, L.N. (2021). "IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols". Mineralogical Magazine. 85 (3): 291–320. Bibcode:2021MinM...85..291W. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43. S2CID 235729616.
  2. ^ Mineralienatlas
  3. ^ a b Clarke, R.M.; Williams, I.R. (1986). "Moolooite, a naturally occurring hydrated copper oxalate from Western Australia" (PDF). Mineralogical Magazine. 50 (356): 295–298. Bibcode:1986MinM...50..295C. doi:10.1180/minmag.1986.050.356.15. S2CID 54527532.


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