Pabellóndepicaite

Chemical formula: Cu²⁺₂(N₃C₂H₂)₂(NH₃)₂(NO₃)Cl·2H₂O

Pabellóndepicaite is an extremely rare, organic copper mineral with an intensely blue color, discovered in Chile.

## Characteristics Pabellóndepicaite is a hydrated copper chloride-nitrate with triazole and ammonia. It forms small, prismatic crystals up to 0.2 mm long, most often occurring as radial or tangled aggregates. The mineral is characterized by an intense, azure-blue color and is transparent. ## Physical Properties The crystals exhibit a vitreous luster. Due to its small size and rarity, many physical properties, such as hardness, density, or fracture, have not been precisely determined. It is a brittle mineral. ## Colors and Varieties This mineral occurs in a uniform, azure-blue color. No varieties are known. ## History and Name The name Pabellóndepicaite comes from its discovery locality – the Pabellón de Pica mine in the Chanabaya province, Tarapacá region, Chile. The mineral was officially approved by the International Mineralogical Association (IMA) in 2019. Its discovery and description are the result of collaboration by an international research team, including Anthony R. Kampf, who is the first author of the scientific publication about it.

Properties

Mohs hardness
2.5-0
Color
indigo blue
Luster
Vitreous
Streak
light indigo-blue
Density
1.95
Cleavage
perfect on {001} and good on {010}.
Fracture
Step-Like
Transparency
Transparent
Crystal system
Orthorhombic

Diagnostic features

## Identification The mineral can be identified by its unique, azure-blue color, prismatic crystal habit, and characteristic radial aggregates. It occurs on host rocks rich in guano. ## Differentiation from Similar Minerals It can be confused with other secondary blue copper minerals, such as chalcanthite or linarite. However, it is distinguished by its specific formation environment (associated with guano) and unique chemical composition, containing organic groups (triazole). Final identification requires advanced analytical methods, such as Raman spectroscopy or X-ray diffraction. ## Crystal Forms It forms elongated, prismatic crystals, often sharply terminated. These crystals combine into radial or haphazardly tangled aggregates, and also form thin coatings on the host rock.

Geological environment

## Genesis Pabellóndepicaite is a secondary mineral that forms as a result of the reaction of copper-rich solutions with seabird droppings (guano) in a dry, desert climate. The presence of triazole in its structure is due to the decomposition of uric acid from guano. ## Mineral Associations This mineral co-occurs with other rare secondary minerals, such as halite, salammoniac, chanabayait, joanneumite, and atacamite. ## Localities The only known occurrence of Pabellóndepicaite in the world is its type locality: the Pabellón de Pica mine, located in the Chanabaya province in the Tarapacá region of northern Chile.

Rarity

Extremely rare

For collectors

## Quality Criteria The quality of Pabellóndepicaite specimens is assessed based on the intensity and purity of the azure-blue color, the size and development of crystals, and the richness of aggregates on the rock matrix. The most desirable specimens are those with clearly visible, well-formed, radial crystal clusters contrasting with the light host rock. ## Popular Localities The only source of specimens of this mineral is the Pabellón de Pica mine in Chile, which makes every specimen from this locality extremely valuable for collectors specializing in rare minerals or minerals from specific localities (so-called "locality collecting").

Care and storage

## Cleaning Due to its extreme rarity and delicacy, Pabellóndepicaite specimens should not be cleaned mechanically or chemically. Any contaminants are best left undisturbed. If absolutely necessary, compressed air can be used from a safe distance to remove loose dust. ## What to Avoid Contact with water, chemicals, acids, and detergents should be avoided. The mineral is likely sensitive to high temperatures and prolonged exposure to sunlight, which can cause fading or dehydration. It should be protected from moisture and sudden temperature changes. ## Storage Specimens should be stored in stable conditions, preferably in a closed, padded "micromount" box, protecting them from dust, light, and mechanical damage. Display should be in a sealed cabinet with controlled lighting (LED).

External references

Sources

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