LEIGHTONITE

 

Leightonite is a hydrous potassium calcium copper sulfate mineral, K2Ca2Cu(SO4)4·2H2O.  It is a secondary mineral that forms in the near-surface oxidized zone of copper-sulfide ore deposits in arid climates.  Leightonite has a nonmetallic, somewhat glassy luster, pale blue to greenish blue color, white streak, is moderately soft (H=3), is transparent to translucent, and has no cleavage.  Crystals of leightonite vary from slender to nonslender prisms, some with curved surfaces resulting in somewhat hourglass-shaped crystals.

 

Leightonite from the Chuquicamata Mine, Calama, El Loa Province, Antofagasta region, Chile.  (CSM # 89.672, Colorado School of Mines Geology Museum, Golden, Colorado, USA)

 


 

Photo gallery of leightonite

 


 

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