White microcrystals of rare organic mineral wampenite (C18H16) on fossil wood from the species type and only locality worldwide (Wampen, Thiersheim, Fichtelgebirge, Franconia, Bavaria, Germany). Ex. Erich Laskowski collection (USA). — Photo: David Hospital · CC BY 4.0
Wampenite
A rare organic mineral — the hydrocarbon phenanthrene — from Bavaria's Fichtelgebirge.
Intro adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA).
Wampenite is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the organic mineral class, with the chemical formula C₁₈H₁₆.
It crystallizes in the monoclinic crystal system (space group P2_1/a).
Key properties: Mohs hardness 1; specific gravity 1.15; Greasy luster; optically biaxial.
IMA symbol Wpn, IMA status: approved, named in 2015.
On a specimen of fossilized conifer wood.
It is found associated with Fichtelite (perhaps).
The name refers to the locality from which the first specimens were obtained, Wampen, Germany.