Rodalquilarite , Alunite Locality: Wendy open pit, Tambo Mine, El Indio deposit, Elqui Province , Coquimbo Region , Chile ( Locality at mindat.org ) Size: 3.9 x 2.7 x 2.5 cm. A very rich specimen with closely-grown, lathe-like crystals of this rare tellurite to 5mm in size, filling a vein in alunite, upon limestone matrix. A very rich specimen for the species. — Photo: Robert M. Lavinsky · CC BY-SA 3.0
Rodalquilarite
A rare green iron tellurite-chloride forming stout triclinic prisms at Spain's Rodalquilar gold district.
Intro adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA).
Rodalquilarite is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the halide class, with the chemical formula H₃Fe³⁺₂(Te⁴⁺O₃)₄Cl.
It crystallizes in the triclinic crystal system (space group P-1).
Key properties: Mohs hardness 2–3; specific gravity 4.97–5.15; Greenish yellow streak; Greasy luster; refractive index 2.151; optically biaxial.
IMA symbol Raq, IMA status: approved, named in 1967.
A rare secondary mineral formed in the zone of oxidation of tellurium-bearing precious metal deposits.
It is found associated with Emmonsite, gold, alunite, jarosite, quartz (Rodalquilar, Spain); tellurium, mackayite, emmonsite (near El Indio, Chile); emmonsite, sonoraite (Joe mine.
The name refers to its first-noted occurrence at Rodalquilar, Spain.