MCKINSTRYITE Meaning and
Definition
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McKinstryite is a rare mineral that belongs to the carbonate mineral group. It is named after the American geologist, chemist, and mineralogist, Hildegarde Howard McKinstry, who first discovered it. McKinstryite is usually found as a secondary mineral in oxidized copper deposits, often associated with other copper minerals such as malachite and azurite.
The mineral has a chemical formula of Ca9Si6O18(CO3)(OH)18·34H2O and generally forms as botryoidal or mammillary aggregates. It has a vitreous luster and can appear in various shades of green, ranging from pale to dark green. Its streak is also green.
Physical properties of mckinstryite include an average density of 2.06 grams per cubic centimeter and a relatively low hardness of 2.5 on the Mohs scale. It is non-radioactive and exhibits brittle fracture when subjected to external force.
While mckinstryite is a visually appealing mineral, it is not widely used for industrial or commercial purposes. Instead, its value lies mainly in scientific research and mineral collecting due to its rarity. At present, mckinstryite is found in specific copper deposits in locations such as the Cornwall region in the United Kingdom and Tsumeb in Namibia.
In summary, mckinstryite is a green-colored mineral that occurs as a secondary mineral in copper deposits. It has a distinctive botryoidal or mammillary form and is primarily valued for its aesthetic appeal in scientific research and mineral collecting.
