- Papagoite
Infobox mineral
name = Papagoite
category =
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caption = Blue crystalline crust with conichalcite
formula = CaCuAlSi2 O6(OH)3
color = Dark blue crystals, light brue when massive
habit = Massive; cryptocrystalline, forming flat elongated crystals
system =Monoclinic -prismatic
twinning =
cleavage = Imperfect in one direction
fracture = Brittle
mohs = 5-5.5
luster = Vitreous to dull
refractive = 1.607-1.672
opticalprop =
pleochroism = Trichroic
streak = Light blue
gravity = 3.25
melt =
fusibility =
diagnostic =
solubility =
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other =Papagoite is a rare cyclosilicate
mineral . Chemically, it is acalcium copper aluminium silicate hydroxide , found as a secondarymineral on slip surfaces and in alteredgranodiorite veins, either in massive form or as microscopic crystals that may form spherical aggregates. Itschemical formula is CaCuAlSi2O6(OH)3. It was discovered in1960 inAjo, Arizona ,USA , and was named after the Sand Papago peoples (now named Hia C-ed O'odham) that inhabit the area. This location is the only papagoite source within theUnited States , while worldwide it is also found inSouth Africa andNamibia . It is most strongly associated withajoite , and is also found withquartz in South Africa. Its bright blue colour is the mineral's most notable characteristic.References
* [http://www.mindat.org/min-3077.html MinDAT]
* [http://webmineral.com/data/Papagoite.shtml Webmineral]
* [http://www.galleries.com/minerals/silicate/papagoit/papagoit.htm Mineral galleries]
* [http://www.minsocam.org/msa/Handbook/Papagoite.PDF Handbook of Mineralogy] (PDF)
* [http://www.exquisitecrystals.com/papagoite.shtml Exquisitecrystals]
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