Melanterite
FeSO₄ · 7H₂O

     Melanterite, a member of the melanterite group, occurs rarely at MSH.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS:

Color is usually pale blue.
Luster is vitreous.
Diaphaneity is opaque.
Crystal System is monoclinic; P2₁/c.
Crystal Habits include small nodules to 2mm.
Cleavage {001} is perfect and {110} is distinct.
Fracture is conchoidal.
Hardness is 2.
Specific Gravity is approximately 1.9 g/cm³.
Streak is white.
Associated Minerals include halotrichite and pyrrhotite.
Distinguishing Features: Crystal habit and color.
Origin: Named in 1850 from the Greek melanteria, copperas, referring
   to the process of obtaining metal from the action of copper-bearing
   water on metallic iron by cementation.

CLASSIFICATION:

REFERENCES:
Dana 8:611 (1997)

DISTRIBUTION AND RARITY AT MONT SAINT-HILAIRE:

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