Watkinsonite is a mineral that belongs to the sulfate group and has the chemical formula Cu3(PO4)(SO4)(OH)·5H2O. It was first discovered in 1949 in the Yellow Pine mine in Idaho County, Idaho, USA, and was named in honor of Charles B. Watkinson, a renowned American mineralogist.
Watkinsonite typically forms as an alteration product of primary copper minerals in oxidized ore deposits. It occurs as green to blue-green prismatic crystals that are often translucent or transparent. The mineral crystallizes in the monoclinic system and is characterized by its vitreous to pearly luster. It has a Mohs hardness of approximately 3.5, making it relatively soft.
One notable feature of watkinsonite is its fluorescence under ultraviolet light, emitting a pale blue glow. It is also soluble in water, with a bitter taste.
In terms of its composition, watkinsonite consists of copper, phosphorus, sulfur, oxygen, and hydrogen. It is classified as a secondary copper mineral and is often associated with other minerals such as brochantite, chalcanthite, and turquoise.
Watkinsonite, although a relatively rare mineral, is of interest to collectors and mineral enthusiasts due to its distinct crystal habit, beautiful color, and unique fluorescence properties. Its discovery and subsequent research contribute to our understanding of geological processes and the formation of secondary minerals in sulfide ore deposits.
