Best viewed using Adobe Flash Player (8 or higher).
Download hereGENERAL DESCRIPTION
Papagoïte is a hydrated copper and calcium aluminosilicate that one finds in weathered granodiorite veins. It is also found as inclusions in quartz.
The crystals are of small size. They are of blue colour, transparent with a vitreous lustre. Papagoïte shows flattened and striated crystals, as well as aggregates when included in quartz.
The deposits are very few: the New Cornelia mine (Arizona, USA), the Sinclair mine in Namibia and the Messina mine in South Africa.
The location of the type of this species (from the New Cornelia mine, Ajo mining district, Pima Co, Arizona, USA) is unknown although described in 1960.
HISTORY : Name given after the name of the Papago Indian tribe who lives near the type locality
Species first described in 1960 by Hutton and Vlisidis
Type-locality : Mine New Cornellia, Pima Co., Arizona, USA
CHEMICAL FORMULA : Ca Cu Al Si2O6 (OH)3
CRYSTAL SYSTEM : Monoclinic
COLOR : Blue
DIAPHANIETY : Translucent to transparent
LUSTER : Vitreous
STREAK : Pale blue
MORPHOLOGIE : Crystals isometric sometimes flattened microcrystals forming aggregates, massive
HARDNESS : 5,0- 5,5
CHEMICAL CLASS: 3,25
DENSITY : VIII - Silicates
GROUP : Papagoite
STRUNZ CLASS BEFORE 2001 : 8/E.06-50
STRUNZ CLASS AFTER 2001 : 9.CE.05
