Bluebellite
A copper iodate discovered in 2013 at the Blue Bell Mine in California's Mojave Desert, alongside mojaveite.
Intro adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA).
Bluebellite is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the iodate class, with the chemical formula Cu₆(IO₃)(OH)₁₀Cl.
It crystallizes in the hexagonal crystal system (space group R3).
Key properties: Mohs hardness 1; specific gravity 4.746; Pale bluish green streak; Adamantine luster; optically uniaxial.
IMA symbol Bbl, IMA status: approved, named in 2013.
A secondary copper mineral formed by decomposition of hessite and chalcopyrite under mildly acidic conditions. Source of iodine not known.
It is found associated with Murdochite, calcite, fluorite, hemimorphite, dioptase.
The name refers to the locality from which the first specimens were obtained.