The open encyclopedia of minerals
Mineralogist.org
Minerals A–ZSearchCollectionsBrowse by PropertyIdentify a SpecimenCompare MineralsLocalities MapGlossaryContribute Search the Database →
Molybdate

Markascherite

Cu₃(MoO₄)(OH)₄
Hardness3.5–4
Crystal systemMonoclinic
ClassMolybdate

Markascherite

Markascherite is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the molybdate class, with the chemical formula Cu₃(MoO₄)(OH)₄.

It crystallizes in the monoclinic crystal system (space group P2_1/m).

Key properties: Mohs hardness 3.5–4; specific gravity 4.216; Green streak; Subadamantine luster; optically biaxial.

IMA symbol Mac, IMA status: approved, named in 2010.

A secondary mineral formed by weathering of a mineralized (molybdenite, bornite, chalcocite, chalcopyrite) breccia pipe.

It is found associated with Brochantite, antlerite, lindgrenite, wulfenite, natrojarosite, chalcanthite.

The mineral was named to honor Mark Goldberg Ascher, a mineral collector and engineer in Tucson, Arizona, USA, who found the first specimen.

Index entry. This entry combines official IMA/RRUFF species data with published physical-property data — a full written entry hasn’t been published yet. Browse more M minerals or help write this entry.