FeSO · 7H
Melanterite, a member of the melanterite group, occurs rarely at MSH.
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS:
Color is usually pale blue.
Luster is vitreous.
Diaphaneity is opaque.
Crystal System is monoclinic;
Crystal Habits include small nodules to 2mm.
Cleavage {001} is perfect and {110} is distinct.
Fracture is conchoidal.
Hardness is 2.
Specific Gravity is approximately 1.9 g/cm
Streak is white.
Associated Minerals include halotrichite and pyrrhotite.
Distinguishing Features: Crystal habit and color.
Origin: Named in 1850 from the Greek melanteria, copperas, referring
to the process of obtaining metal from the action of copper-bearing
water on metallic iron by cementation.
CLASSIFICATION:
Dana System
# 29.6.10.1
Strunz Classification
# VI/C.06-10
REFERENCES:
Dana 8:611 (1997)
DISTRIBUTION AND RARITY AT MONT SAINT-HILAIRE:
MSH
¤¤¤