By Antoinette Rahn
This specimen of arsendescloizite on mimetite caught my attention originally because of its unique color and patterns. However, a close second in terms of reasons for appeal is the name. I had to learn more about the naming convention.
The name is inspired by its composition, as a secondary mineral that appears in oxidized hydrothermal polymetallic deposits, as well as its membership as an arsenate analogue in the Adelite-Descloizite Group, according to information at www.webmineral.com.
The featured specimen boasts rich green crystallized botryoidal arsendescloizite covering the matrix with segments of yellow crystallized mimetite present throughout.
It was acquired from the Ojuela Mine, Mapimi, Durango, Mexico and measures 6.5 x 5 x 2 cm. It is also available through Weinrich Minerals.
