Blue joteite crystals. From Jote Mine, Pampa Larga district, Tierra Amarilla, Copiapó Province, Atacama Region, Chile — Photo: Jerry Cone · CC0
Joteite
Joteite is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the arsenate class, with the chemical formula Ca₂CuAl(AsO₄)[AsO₃(OH)]₂(OH)₂·5H₂O.
It crystallizes in the triclinic crystal system (space group P-1).
Key properties: Mohs hardness 2–3; specific gravity 3.084; Very pale blue streak; Vitreous luster; optically biaxial.
IMA symbol Jot, IMA status: approved, named in 2012.
Found in narrow seams and vugs in the oxidized upper portion of a hydrothermal sulfide vein hosted by volcanoclastic rocks.
It is found associated with Conichalcite, mansfieldite, pharmacoalumite, pharmacosiderite, scorodite.
The name refers to the mine from which the first specimens were collected.