Information about Mottramite

Mottramite is a striking mineral typically found in hues of dark green, olive, or brownish-green, often forming encrustations, fibrous aggregates, or crystalline crusts.

It commonly occurs as a secondary mineral in oxidised zones of lead-vanadium ore deposits, forming botryoidal (grape-like), earthy, or velvet-textured surfaces.

Uses and History

Mottramite is primarily a collector’s mineral, valued for its vibrant colour and association with rare vanadium minerals. It has no significant industrial uses due to its scarcity and composition.

The mineral was first characterised in 1868 as psittacinite by Frederick Augustus Genth. It was later renamed to Mottramite in 1876 after the location where the ore was stored, Mottram St Andrew in Cheshire, UK.

Mineralogy

Hazards and Warnings

Toxic mineral, contains lead.

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

Further Reading / External Links

• https://www.mindat.org/min-2792.html
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mottramite
• https://handbookofmineralogy.org/pdfs/mottramite.pdf