Kinoite

Kinoite
General
CategorySorosilicate
Formula
(repeating unit)
Ca2Cu2Si3O8(OH)4
IMA symbolKin[1]
Strunz classification9.BH.10
Crystal systemMonoclinic
Crystal classPrismatic (2/m)
(same H-M symbol)
Space groupP21/m
Unit cella = 6.99, b = 12.88
c = 5.65 [Å]; β = 96.18°; Z = 2
Identification
Formula mass450amu
ColorTransparent deep blue
Cleavageexcellent {010}, distinct {001} and {100}
Mohs scale hardness2+12
LusterVitreous
DiaphaneityTransparent
Specific gravity3.13 – 3.19
Density3.13 – 3.19
Optical propertiesBiaxial (−)
Refractive indexnα = 1.638 nβ = 1.665 nγ = 1.676
Birefringenceδ = 0.038
PleochroismStrong
2V angleMeasured: 68° , calculated: 64°
Dispersionrelatively weak

Kinoite (Ca2Cu2Si3O8(OH)4[2][3] or Ca2Cu2Si3O10 · 2 H2O[4]) is a light blue copper silicate mineral. It is somewhat scarce. It has a monoclinic crystal system, vitreous luster, and is transparent to translucent. It can be found in the Santa Rita Mountains, the Christmas Mine at Christmas, Arizona and a few other copper mines. Kinoite is popular with mineral collectors. Kinoite was named upon its discovery in 1970 after the pioneer Jesuit missionary Padre Eusebio Kino who worked in Arizona, Sonora and Baja California.

References

[edit]
  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. ^ Handbook of Mineralogy
  3. ^ Kinoite at Webmineral
  4. ^ Kinoite at Mindat.org