Sampleite

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Sampleite
Image Credit: RRUFF

Description

Raman spectrum of Sampleite
Image Credit: RRUFF

A rare copper phosphate mineral with a chemical composition of NaCaCu5(PO4)4Cl-5H2O. Sampleite occurs naturally in deposits in Chile and has been found in caves formed from the sulfides and phosphates in bat guano. Sampleite was identified as a corrosion product on Egyptian copper alloys (Fabrizi et al. 1989).

Physical and Chemical Proerties

  • Description: light blue to blue-green prismatic crystals or aggregates
  • Hardness = 4
  • Luster = pearly
  • Density = 3.2 g/ml

Resources and Citations

  • M.Fabrizi, H.Ganiaris, S.Tarling, D.Scott, "The Occurrence of Sampleite, a Complex Copper Phosphate, as a Corrosion Product on Copper Alloy Objects from Memphis, Egypt" Studies in Conservation, 34:45-51, 1989.