White crystals of the new and very rare mineral vendidaite (IMA 2012-089) from the type and only known locality worldwide (La Vendida Mine, Sierra Gorda, Antofagasta Region, Chile). — Photo: David Hospital · CC BY-SA 4.0
Vendidaite
Vendidaite is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the sulfate class, with the chemical formula Al₂(SO₄)(OH)₃Cl·6H₂O.
It crystallizes in the monoclinic crystal system (space group C2/c).
Key properties: Mohs hardness 2–2.5; specific gravity 1.97; Vitreous luster; optically biaxial.
IMA symbol Ven, IMA status: approved, named in 2012.
Found as a secondary mineral in a weathered copper sulfide deposit.
It is found associated with Aubertite, magnesioaubertite, belloite, eriochalcite, alunite, kaolinite, halloysite.
The name refers to the La Vendida mine, from which the first samples were collected.