Camanchacaite
Camanchacaite is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the arsenate class, with the chemical formula Na CaMg₂(AsO₄)₂[AsO₂(OH)₂].
It crystallizes in the monoclinic crystal system (space group C2/c). It is a member of the Alluaudite structural group.
Key properties: Mohs hardness 2.5; specific gravity 3.568; White streak; Vitreous luster; optically biaxial.
IMA symbol Ccc, IMA status: approved, named in 2018.
It is found associated with Magnesiofluckite, picaite, ríosecoite, chinchorroite, currierite, anhydrite, gypsum, halite, talmessite.
The name refers to the ‘camanchaca’, a dense fog that forms along the northern Chilean coast where the Atacama Desert reaches the Pacific Ocean.
Index entry. This entry combines official IMA/RRUFF species data with published physical-property data — a full written entry hasn’t been published yet.
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