Orthoserpierite , Ramsbeckite Field of view: 2.8 mm Locality: Pontinha No. 3 Mine, Souto Maior, Sabrosa, Vila Real District, Portugal Description: Group of blue orthoserpierite crystals with minuto green ramsbeckite. XRD and EDS analyzed. This photo was originally published in: Alves, P. (2017) The Mining District of Vale das Gatas, Sabrosa, Portugal. Mineral Up Vol. IV, nº5, 8–53. — Photo: Pedro Alves · CC BY 3.0
Orthoserpierite
Orthoserpierite is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the sulfate class, with the chemical formula CaCu₄(SO₄)₂(OH)₆·3H₂O.
It crystallizes in the orthorhombic crystal system (space group Pca2_1).
Key properties: specific gravity 3; Pale green streak; Vitreous luster; optically biaxial.
IMA symbol Ospe, IMA status: approved, named in 1983.
A rare secondary mineral formed in the dump from a hydrothermal copper mine (Chessy, France); precipitated from vadose waters transecting the oxidized zone of a hydrothermal copper deposit (Copper Creek district, Arizona, USA).
It is found associated with Devilline, gypsum, calcite (Chessy, France); chrysocolla, malachite (Copper Creek district, Arizona, USA).
As an ORTHOrhombic mineral related to serpierite.