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Papagoite

Papagoite
Blue crystalline crust with conichalcite
General
Category	Mineral
Chemical formula	Ca CuAlSi₂O₆(O H)₃
Identification
Color	Dark blue crystals, light brue when massive
Crystal habit	Massive; cryptocrystalline, forming flat elongated crystals
Crystal system	Monoclinic-prismatic
Cleavage	Imperfect in one direction
Fracture	Brittle
Mohs Scale hardness	5-5.5
Luster	Vitreous to dull
Refractive index	1.607-1.672
Pleochroism	Trichroic
Streak	Light blue
Specific gravity	3.25

Papagoite is a rare cyclosilicate mineral. Chemically, it is a calcium copper aluminium silicate hydroxide, found as a secondary mineral on slip surfaces and in altered granodiorite veins, either in massive form or as microscopic crystals that may form spherical aggregates. It was discovered in 1960 in Ajo, Arizona, USA, and was named after the Sand Papago peoples (now named Hia C-ed O'odham) that inhabit the area. This location is the only papagoite source within the United States, while worldwide it is also found in South Africa and Namibia. It is most strongly associated with ajoite, and is also found with quartz in South Africa. Its bright blue colour is the mineral's most notable characteristic.