Papagoite

Infobox mineral
name = Papagoite
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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 =
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Papagoite is a rare cyclosilicate mineral. Chemically, it is a calcium copper aluminium silicate hydroxide, found as a secondary mineral on slip surfaces and in altered granodiorite veins, either in massive form or as microscopic crystals that may form spherical aggregates. Its chemical formula is CaCuAlSi₂O₆(OH)₃. It was discovered in 1960 in Ajo, 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 the United States, while worldwide it is also found in South Africa and Namibia. It is most strongly associated with ajoite, and is also found with quartz 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]