Green crystal aggregates of the nickel sulphate mineral morenosite from a locality in Canada (Worthington Mine, Drury Township, Sudbury District, Ontario, Canada). — Photo: David Hospital · CC BY-SA 4.0
Morenosite
Morenosite is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the sulfate class, with the chemical formula Ni(SO₄)·7H₂O.
It crystallizes in the orthorhombic crystal system (space group P2_12_12_1). It is a member of the Epsomite structural group.
Key properties: Mohs hardness 2–2.5; specific gravity 1.953; Pale green to white streak; Vitreous luster; optically biaxial.
IMA symbol Mren, grandfathered status — known before the IMA’s founding, named in 1850.
Occurs as an uncommon secondary mineral in the oxidized zone of nickel-bearing hydrothermal mineral deposits, formed from H2O solution below 31.5 ° C.
It is found associated with Retgersite, nickelhexahydrite, annabergite, millerite.
The mineral was named to honor Señor Antonio Moreno Ruiz (1796–1852), Spanish pharmacist and chemist, Academy of Natural Sciences, Madrid, Spain.