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Oxides & Hydroxide

Mendozavilite-NaCu

[Na₂(H₂O)₁₅Cu(H₂O)₆][Mo₈P₂Fe³⁺₃O₃₄(OH)₃]
Hardness2.5
Crystal systemMonoclinic
ClassOxides & Hydroxide
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Mendozavilite-NaCu

Mendozavilite-NaCu is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the oxides & hydroxide class, with the chemical formula [Na₂(H₂O)₁₅Cu(H₂O)₆][Mo₈P₂Fe³⁺₃O₃₄(OH)₃].

It crystallizes in the monoclinic crystal system (space group C2/m). It is a member of the Betpakdalite structural group.

Key properties: Mohs hardness 2.5; specific gravity 2.824; Colorless to very pale green streak; Vitreous to subadamantine luster; optically biaxial.

IMA symbol Mdz-NaCu, IMA status: approved, named in 2011.

Found in the oxidized zone of porphyry copper deposit as thin vein fillings and well-formed crystals in cavities.

It is found associated with Quartz, feruvite, muscovite (sericite), pyrite, chalcopyrite, covellite, djurleite, molybdenite, anhydrite, jarosite, mendozavilite-NaFe, natrochalcite.

The mineral was named to honor Heriberto Mendoza Avila (b. 1924), Phelps Dodge exploration geologist, 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.