Erythrite

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Erythrite crystals - click for larger pic
Erythrite crystals
Photo by Jason B. Smith
© Jason B. Smith

Co(AsO · 8H

Erythrite had been found at Mont Saint-Hilaire as a single grain on one specimen. Some analysis on older specimens have revealed new specimens. This example has been recently confirmed by Dr Andy McDonald of Laurentian University.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS:

Color is pale purplish-red.
Luster is vitreous.
Diaphaneity is transparent to translucent.
Crystal System is monoclinic; 2/
Crystal Habits include botyroidal cluster of crystals.
Cleavage {010} is perfect, {100} and {102} are distinct.
Fracture is sectile.
Hardness is 1.5 – 2.5
Specific Gravity is approximately 3.1 g/cm
Streak is pale purplish-red.
Associated Minerals include aegirine, analcime and calcite.
Distinguishing Features: Color.
Origin: Named in 1832 from the Greek erythros, red, alluding to
its color.

CLASSIFICATION:

Dana System
# 40.3.6.3

Strunz Classification
# VII/C.13-70

REFERENCES:
MinRec 21:308 (1990), Dana 8:794-795 (1997)

DISTRIBUTION AND RARITY AT MONT SAINT-HILAIRE:

MSH
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