Langite

Langite is a striking, bright blue to blue-green secondary copper sulphate mineral.

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Information about Langite

Langite is a striking, bright blue to blue-green secondary copper sulphate mineral. It forms as small, prismatic to tabular crystals or as crusts and aggregates on the surface of oxidised copper deposits.


Uses and History

Langite does not have any significant industrial or commercial uses due to its rarity and delicate nature. However, it is highly sought after by mineral collectors for its vibrant blue hues.

Langite was first described in 1864 and was named in honor of Viktor von Lang, an Austrian physicist and crystallographer who made significant contributions to minerallogy.

The mineral was originally discovered in Cornwall, England, in the copper mining areas of Redruth and St. Day.

 


Mineralogy

Chemistry
A copper sulphate mineral with the formula Cu4(SO4)(OH)6 · 2H2O.
Colours and Variations

Deep blue, greenish blue, blue-green.

Streak
Blue green
Luster
Vitreous to silky.
Transparency
Translucent to opaque.
Fracture
Uneven
Crystal habit
Small, pseudohexagonal crystals which may be twinned. Sometimes encrusting, earthy.
Mohs hardness
2.5 – 3.0
Fluorescence
Specific Gravity
3.28 – 3.5
Easiest testing method

Hazards and Warnings

Mineral collectors should wash their hands after handling specimens, to avoid any exposure to potential toxins.

Almost all rocks, minerals (and, frankly, almost all other substances on earth) can produce toxic dust when cutting, which can cause serious respiratory conditions including silicosis.

When cutting or polishing rocks, minerals, shells, etc, all work should be done wet to minimise the dust, and a suitable respirator or extraction system should be used.

 


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Further Reading / External Links