Mojaveite
Mojaveite is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the halide class, with the chemical formula Cu₆[Te⁶⁺O₄(OH)₂](OH)₇Cl.
It crystallizes in the hexagonal crystal system (space group R3).
Key properties: Mohs hardness 1; specific gravity 4.886; Pale greenish blue streak; Adamantine, pearly or dull luster; optically uniaxial.
IMA symbol Moj, IMA status: approved, named in 2013.
A secondary copper mineral formed by decomposition of hessite and chalcopyrite under mildly acidic conditions.
It is found associated with Cerussite, chrysocolla, khinite, perite, quartz (Aga mine); andradite, chrysocolla, cerussite, burckhardtite, galena, goethite, khinite, mcalpineite.
The name refers to the Mojave Desert, USA, where the first specimens were collected.
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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