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Arsenate

Tapiaite

Ca₅Al₂(AsO₄)₄(OH)₄·12H₂O
Hardness2–3
Crystal systemMonoclinic
ClassArsenate
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Tapiaite specimen

Tapiaite is a extremely rare new mineral. It occurs as colorless transparent tabular crystals with a vitreous luster. In this specimen it is associated to pale blue very nice joteite crystals. From: Jote Mine, Tierra Amarilla, Atacama Region, Chile. — Photo: David Hospital · CC BY-SA 4.0

Tapiaite

Tapiaite is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the arsenate class, with the chemical formula Ca₅Al₂(AsO₄)₄(OH)₄·12H₂O.

It crystallizes in the monoclinic crystal system (space group P2_1/n).

Key properties: Mohs hardness 2–3; specific gravity 2.681; White streak; Vitreous luster; optically biaxial.

IMA symbol Tpi, IMA status: approved, named in 2014.

A late-stage, low-temperature, secondary mineral that occurs in narrow seams and vugs in the oxidized upper portion of a hydrothermal sulfide vein hosted by volcanoclastic rocks.

It is found associated with Conichalcite, joteite, mansfieldite, pharmacoalumite, pharmacosiderite, scorodite.

The mineral was named to honor Enrique Tapia (1955-2008), an accomplished Chilean field mineral collector.

Index entry. This entry combines official IMA/RRUFF species data with published physical-property data — a full written entry hasn’t been published yet. Browse more T minerals or help write this entry.