Manganoblödite, Na2Mn(SO4)2·4H2O, and cobaltoblödite, Na2Co(SO4)2·4H2O: two new members of the blödite group from the Blue Lizard mine, San Juan County, Utah, USA
2013
Abstract
Two new minerals of the blödite group, manganoblödite and cobaltblödite, were described along with detailed properties including the crystal structure.Both new minerals occur as aggregates of anhedral grains up to 60 mu m (manganoblodite) and 200 mu m (cobaltoblodite) forming thin crusts covering areas up to 2 x 2 cm on the surface of other sulfates. Both new species often occur as intimate intergrowths with each other and also with Mn-Co-Ni-bearing blodite.
Manganoblodite and cobaltoblodite are transparent, colourless in single grains and reddish-pink in aggregates and crusts, with a white streak and vitreous lustre. Their Mohs' hardness is similar to 21/2.
They are brittle, have uneven fracture and no obvious parting or cleavage.