Weilite

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Weilite
Weilite.jpg
Weilite (white) with pink erythrite from Richelsdorf District, Wildeck, Hesse, Germany
General
Category Arsenate mineral
Formula CaHAsO4
IMA symbol Wei [1]
Strunz classification 8.AD.10
Crystal system Triclinic
Crystal class Pinacoidal (1)
(same H-M symbol)
Space group P1
Unit cell a = 7.059  Å, b = 6.891 Å
c = 7.201 Å; α = 97.43°
β = 103.55°, γ = 87.75°; Z = 4
Identification
ColorWhite
Crystal habit Powdery, massive
Fracture Irregular/uneven
Tenacity Brittle
Luster Waxy, greasy, dull
Streak White
Diaphaneity Translucent
Specific gravity 3.48
Optical propertiesBiaxial (-)
Refractive index nα = 1.644 nγ = 1.688
Birefringence δ = 0.044
2V angle Measured: 81°
References [2] [3] [4]

Weilite (Ca H As O 4) is a rare arsenate mineral. It is a translucent white triclinic mineral with a waxy luster. [2]

It was first described in 1963 for occurrences in Gabe Gottes Mine, Haut-Rhin, Alsace, France; Wittichen, Schenkenzell, Black Forest, Baden-Württemberg, Germany; and the Schneeberg District, Erzgebirge, Saxony, Germany. It is named after French mineralogist René Weil of the University of Strasbourg. [2] It occurs in the oxidized zone of arsenic-bearing hydrothermal veins. It occurs as an alteration product of pharmacolite and haidingerite. [3] [4]

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. 1 2 3 Mindat.org
  3. 1 2 Handbook of Mineralogy
  4. 1 2 Webmineral data