Tlalocite
Tlalocite is a rare and complex tellurate mineral with the formula Cu10Zn6(TeO4)2(TeO3)(OH)25Cl · 27 H2O. It has a Mohs hardness of 1, and a cyan color. It was named after Tlaloc, the Aztec god of rain, in allusion to the high amount of water contained within the crystal structure.[1][2] It is not to be confused with quetzalcoatlite, which often looks similar in color and habit.
| Tlalocite | |
|---|---|
 Tlalocite spherules from Bambollita Mine (Oriental Mine), Moctezuma, Mun. de Moctezuma, Sonora, Mexico (picture width: 3 mm). | |
| General | |
| Category | Mineral |
| Formula (repeating unit) | Cu10Zn6(TeO4)2(TeO3)(OH)25Cl · 25 H2O |
| Strunz classification | 7.DE.20 |
| Dana classification | 33.3.2.1 |
| Crystal system | Orthorhombic Unknown space group |
| Unit cell | a = 16.78, b = 19.985 c = 12.069 [Å], Z = 4 |
| Identification | |
| Color | Capri blue, green in transmitted light |
| Crystal habit | Velvety crusts or spheres, arced bands |
| Fracture | Sectile, curved shavings or scrapings |
| Tenacity | Gummy and sectile |
| Mohs scale hardness | 1 |
| Streak | Pale blue |
| Diaphaneity | Translucent |
| Specific gravity | 4.55 (measured) 4.58 (calculated) |
| Optical properties | Biaxial (-) |
| Birefringence | δ = 0.052 |
| Pleochroism | Green, bluish green |
| 2V angle | 64 |
| Ultraviolet fluorescence | none |
| Solubility | Insoluble |
| References | |
Occurrence
Tlalocite was first identified in the Bambollite mine (La Oriental), Moctezuma, Municipio de Moctezuma, Sonora, Mexico and it was approved by the IMA in 1974. It often occurs together with tenorite, azurite, malachite and tlapallite. It is found in partially oxidized portions of tellurium-bearing hydrothermal veins.[3][4]
References
- "Tlalocite: Tlalocite mineral information and data". www.mindat.org. Retrieved 2016-09-19.
- Barthelmy, Dave. "Tlalocite Mineral Data". www.webmineral.com. Retrieved 2016-09-19.
- "Handbook of Mineralogy" (PDF). Retrieved 2016-09-19.
- Williams, S.A. (1975). "Xocomecatlite, Cu3TeO4(OH)4, and tlalocite, Cu10Zn6(TeO3)(TeO4)2CI(OH)25 . 27 H2O, two new minerals from Moctezuma, Sonora, Mexico" (PDF). Mineralogical Magazine. 40 (311). Retrieved 2016-09-19.
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