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GeneralCyanotrichite

28th Mar 2024 22:22 UTCBrighton Alfred

Recently, I uploaded a couple of photos of both Carbonatecyanotrichite and Cyanotrichite from China, along with some other specimens, and all of the Cyanotrichite specimens haven't been approved, while the other ones were approved rather instantly. This isn't the first time I have noticed this happen, why is this?

28th Mar 2024 22:43 UTCKevin Conroy Manager

I didn't review your photos, but were your specimens tested? The following is on the carbonatecyanotrichite page:

"Cyanotrichite Group.

A mineral closely related to Cyanotrichite, but often misidentified (old published X-ray powder diffraction data of both species are unreliable; much improved data were recently given by Hager et al. (2009)).

Although the mineral shows a close relation to cyanotrichite, it is even more closely related to camérolaite.

PXRD and chemical analysis are necessary for a correct identification.

Previously, it was thought that quantitative measurements of the carbonate contents were needed for a correct identification, and that qualitative tests were not conclusive, because cyanotrichite can apparently contain small amounts of carbonate. However, Hager et al. (2009) suggest that there is no evidence for solid solution between cyanotrichite and carbonatecyanotrichite; it is also evident that some carbonatecyanotrichite specimens contain no sulfate. This explains previous contradictory results from PXRD and chemical studies of given samples.

The nomenclature situation is still complicated because the crystal structures of neither mineral is presently known.

Visually similar to Khaidarkanite."

28th Mar 2024 23:01 UTCBrighton Alfred

I am unsure if they were tested, but they were labeled as such.

28th Mar 2024 23:48 UTCKevin Conroy Manager

Unfortunately sometimes dealers, even well known and respected ones, have specimens that are mislabeled. This is especially true with rare minerals and species that aren't visually identifiable.

29th Mar 2024 00:09 UTCSteve Hardinger 🌟 Expert

Kevin Conroy Manager ✉️

Unfortunately sometimes dealers, even well known and respected ones, have specimens that are mislabeled.

And sometimes mislabeled deliberately to 'increase value'.

29th Mar 2024 00:32 UTCBrighton Alfred

You are correct.

Should i simply label the species as Cyanotrichite?

29th Mar 2024 00:54 UTCKevin Conroy Manager

I don't recall this being discussed before, but my choice would be to list it as a "cyanotrichite group" specimen. Of course, that would have to be added to the mineral list for the locality.

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