Chaidamuite
A rare hydrated zinc-iron sulfate first described from the Xitieshan mine in Qinghai, China — named for the Chaidamu basin.
Intro adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA).
Chaidamuite is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the sulfate class, with the chemical formula ZnFe³⁺(SO₄)₂(OH)·4H₂O.
It crystallizes in the triclinic crystal system (space group P1).
Key properties: Mohs hardness 2.5–3; specific gravity 2.722; Pale yellow streak; Vitreous luster; optically biaxial.
IMA symbol Cdm, IMA status: approved, named in 1985.
Found as a secondary mineral in the oxidized portions of a Pb–Zn–Fe sulfide deposit.
It is found associated with Coquimbite, copiapite, butlerite, zincobotryogen.
The name refers to the occurrence near Chaidamu, China.
Index entry. This entry combines official IMA/RRUFF species data with published physical-property data and a Wikipedia introduction — a full written entry hasn’t been published yet.
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