Coquimbite
1.54 ct
H.5
Trillion Cut
8.80 x 8.70 mm
Peru
y956

Coquimbite

Is a hydrate ferric sulfate with formula Fe2(SO4)3•9H2O and hardness of 2.5.

Is a very sensitive, brittle and soft mineral that can deteriorate if exposed for long time in a dry atmosphere.Soluble in water,therefore in addition with it's low hardness is extremely difficult to cut and polish, therefore the surface may not reach a high lustre and quite often some little cavities may be seen of the surface.

In minor parts is associated with other mineral ,such as copiapite,romerite,chalcantite,metavoltite,alunogeno and halotrichite.The coqiuimbite is mauve-purple color,while metavoltite is brown,romerite yellow and halotrichite has whitish fibers look.

It comes from Javier Mine (Javier Ortega Mine),Ayacucho Department,Lucanas Province.Hua-huas (Huacuas ) Peru.

An off-limit stones to be facet, rarely seen in the market.Must be handle with good care.