Mixite

Mixite is an uncommon copper bismuth arsenate mineral, which typically occurs as green tufted crystals, typically radial.

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Information about Mixite

Appearance

A green tufted mineral, often occurring as small needle-like growths on matrix, or as radiating clusters of fine needle-like crystals.

Uses and History

Mixite has no industrial uses – it is quite an uncommon mineral and as such is primarily prized as a collectors specimen rather than as an ore, etc.

Named after Anton Mixa, the director of the mines of Joachimsthal, Czechoslovakia (now Czech Republic), where it was first discovered.

Mineralogy

Chemistry
A copper bismuth arsenate, with the formula BiCu6(AsO4)3(OH)6·3(H2O).
Colours and Variations
Typically green, emerald green, blue green, pale green, occasionally white.
Streak
Pale green
Luster
Vitreous
Transparency
Transparent to translucent, typically translucent.
Fracture
Uneven, splintery
Crystal habit
Acicular crystals, often in radial
Mohs hardness
3 – 4
Fluorescence
Specific Gravity
3.79 – 3.83
Easiest testing method

Hazards and Warnings

Toxic, if ingested or inhaled as dust; should be handled with care due to arsenic content.

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.

Translations

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English:

  • mixite

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  • Mixita

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  • Mixit

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Mandarin Chinese:

  • 砷铋铜石

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Further Reading / External Links