Pascoite (pa-skoh-ahyt) is a mineral that is predominantly found in the United States. It is named after Pasco County, Florida, where it was first discovered. The word is spelled with an "-ite" ending, which is commonly used in mineral and chemical names. The "pasco-" portion of the word can be pronounced using the IPA symbols /pæskoʊ/ and the "-ite" ending can be pronounced with the symbols /aɪt/. The correct pronunciation of pascoite is essential for communicating effectively in geology and mineralogy fields.
Pascoite is a mineral often referred to as vanadium hydrated arsenate. It is typically found in oxidized environments associated with other vanadium minerals. The name "pascoite" is derived from its type locality, Pasco County, Florida, where it was first discovered.
Chemically, pascoite can be described as a hydrated vanadate of arsenate, with the chemical formula V4+3(AsO4)2(OH)4·4-5H2O. It forms in the monoclinic crystal system, commonly appearing as small, transparent to translucent yellow to colorless crystals. It may also appear as crusts or powdery aggregates. Pascoite has a relatively low hardness, typically ranging from 2 to 3 on the Mohs scale.
In terms of its physical properties, pascoite is known for its yellowish color, which can vary depending on impurities present in the crystal lattice. Its luster is described as vitreous or glassy. The mineral is generally brittle and can have a white streak. It is also nonfluorescent under ultraviolet light.
Pascoite is often found in association with other vanadium minerals such as descloizite and mottramite. Its formation is usually linked to oxidized vanadium-rich deposits, often occurring in desert environments. The presence of pascoite can provide valuable information about the geological history and geochemical conditions of a given locality.