Sorbyite is a term used in mineralogy to refer to a rare, copper-rich mineral. It is an oxide mineral that belongs to the crystalline system, specifically the tetragonal crystal system. The chemical formula for sorbyite is Cu3AsO4OH3.
Sorbyite typically forms as small, prismatic crystals or as aggregates of crystals with a vitreous to adamantine luster. It displays a range of colors, including green, blue, and bluish-green, and may appear transparent to translucent. The mineral has a moderate to high hardness, ranging between 3.5 and 4.5 on the Mohs scale, and a specific gravity of approximately 5.0.
Sorbyite is primarily composed of copper, arsenic, oxygen, and hydrogen. It is named after the renowned British geologist and microscopist, Henry Clifton Sorby, who made significant contributions to the field of petrography.
This mineral is found in hydrothermal vein deposits, typically associated with other secondary copper minerals, such as malachite, azurite, brochantite, and cuprite. It has been discovered in various locations around the world, including Cornwall in the United Kingdom, Chile, Argentina, Mexico, and the United States.
Due to its scarcity and limited occurrence, sorbyite is primarily valued as a collector's mineral and a subject of scientific research. Its attractive color and crystal habits make it aesthetically appealing to mineral enthusiasts and collectors.
