Liroconite

In the article we present below, we delve into the fascinating world of Liroconite, exploring its origins, its impact on today's society and its possible future challenges. Liroconite has been the subject of interest and study for decades, piquing the curiosity of researchers and hobbyists alike. Throughout this writing, we will closely examine the multiple facets that make up Liroconite, from its most relevant aspects to its implications in various areas of daily life. Through a deep and insightful analysis, we seek to provide a complete and enriching vision of Liroconite, with the aim of giving the reader a broader and more meaningful understanding of this exciting topic.

Liroconite
General
CategoryArsenate minerals
FormulaCu2Al·4(H2O)
IMA symbolLro[1]
Strunz classification8.DF.20
Crystal systemMonoclinic
Crystal classPrismatic (2/m)
(same H-M symbol)
Space groupI2/a
Unit cella = 12.66, b = 7.57
c = 9.89 ; β = 91.25°; Z = 4
Identification
ColorBright blue to green
Crystal habitTypically as striated flattened octahedral or lenticular crystals, also massive to granular
CleavageIndistinct on {110} and {011}
FractureIrregular/uneven, conchoidal
Mohs scale hardness2–2+1⁄2
LusterVitreous to resinous
StreakLight blue
DiaphaneityTransparent, translucent
Specific gravity2.9–3
Optical propertiesBiaxial (−)
Refractive indexnα = 1.612 nβ = 1.652 nγ = 1.675
Birefringenceδ = 0.063
2V angleMeasured: 67°
References[2][3][4]

Liroconite is a complex mineral: Hydrated copper aluminium arsenate hydroxide, with the formula Cu2Al·4(H2O). It is a vitreous monoclinic mineral, colored bright blue to green, often associated with malachite, azurite, olivenite, and clinoclase. It is quite soft, with a Mohs hardness of 2–2.5, and has a specific gravity of 2.9–3.0.

Vugs in gossan lined with lustrous, blue-green liroconite blades and sparkly, dark blue clinoclase microcrystals from Wheal Gorland (size: 3.4 × 3.0 × 2.0 cm)

It was first identified in 1825 in the tin and copper mines of Devon and Cornwall, England. Although it remains quite rare it has subsequently been identified in a variety of locations including France, Germany, Australia, New Jersey and California.[2]

The type locality for liroconite is Wheal Gorland in St Day, Cornwall in the United Kingdom.[2] The largest crystal specimen on public display is in the Royal Cornwall Museum in Truro.[5]

It occurs as a secondary mineral in copper deposits in association with olivenite, chalcophyllite, clinoclase, cornwallite, strashimirite, malachite, cuprite and limonite.[4]

Structure

Liroconite crystallizes in the monoclinic crystal system.[4]: 1 [6] The crystal structure consists of a framework of AsO4 tetrahedra, Jahn-Teller-distorted octahedra and octahedra.[7]

Unit cell of liroconite

See also

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. ^ a b c Mindat.org: Liroconite mineral information and data
  3. ^ Webmineral data
  4. ^ a b c Handbook of Mineralogy
  5. ^ Aubrey-Jones, David (2008). "Liroconite".
  6. ^ Kolesova, R.V.; Fesenko, E.G. (Dec 1968). "Determination of the crystal structure of Liroconite Cu2Al[AsO4](OH)4 4 H2O" (PDF). Soviet Physics – Crystallography. 13 (3). Rostov University: 396–402.
  7. ^ Burns, Peter C.; Eby, Ray K.; Hawthorne, Frank C. (1991). "Refinement of the structure of liroconite, a heteropolyhedral framework oxysalt mineral". Acta Crystallogr. C. 47 (5): 916–919. doi:10.1107/S0108270190010939.
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