Kësterite , Mushistonite Locality: Mt Xuebaoding, Pingwu Co., Mianyang Prefecture, Sichuan Province, China Original description: Kësterite crystal covered with mushistonite on a matrix with mica. Overall size: 60 mm x 45 mm. Kësterite crystal size: 15 mm wide. Weight: 64 g. Undamaged. — Photo: Carles Millan · CC BY 3.0
Mushistonite
Mushistonite is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the oxides & hydroxide class, with the chemical formula Cu²⁺Sn⁴⁺(OH)₆.
It crystallizes in the tetragonal crystal system (space group Pn3m). It is a member of the Perovskite structural group.
Key properties: Mohs hardness 4–4.4; Vitreous luster.
IMA symbol Mhi, IMA status: approved, named in 1982.
Found in the oxidized zone of a tin deposit, replacing stannite (Mushiston deposit, Tajikistan); from a zoned pegmatite (Etta mine, South Dakota, USA).
It is found associated with Stannite, chalcopyrite, sphalerite, galena (Mushiston deposit, Tajikistan); cassiterite, pseudomalachite, quartz (Etta mine, South Dakota, USA).
The name refers to its occurrence in the Mushiston deposit, Tajikistan.