Tyrolite
| Tyrolite | |
|---|---|
| General | |
| Category | Arsenate and carbonate minerals |
| Formula | CaCu5(AsO4)2CO3(OH)4·6H2O |
| IMA symbol | Tyl |
| Strunz classification | 8.DM.10 |
| Crystal system | Orthorhombic |
| Crystal class | Prismatic (2/m) (same H-M symbol) |
| Space group | P2/c (no. 13) or C2/c (no. 15) |
| Identification | |
| Color | Blue to green |
| Crystal habit | Radial or botryoidal |
| Mohs scale hardness | 1.5–2.0 |
| Luster | Vitreous |
| Diaphaneity | Translucent |
| Specific gravity | 3.1–3.2 |
| Refractive index | nα = 1.694 nβ = 1.726 nγ = 1.730 |
| References | |
Tyrolite is a hydrous calcium copper arsenate carbonate mineral with the formula CaCu5(AsO4)2CO3(OH)4⋅6H2O. Tyrolite forms glassy, blue to green orthorhombic radial crystals and botryoidal masses. It has a Mohs hardness of 1.5–2.0 and a specific gravity of 3.1–3.2. It is translucent with refractive indices of nα = 1.694, nβ = 1.726, and nγ = 1.730.
It is a secondary mineral formed by the weathering of associated copper and arsenic minerals. It was first described in 1845 for an occurrence in Schwaz, Tyrol, Austria.