How do I identify Colimaite?

Colimaite can be identified by its Yellow-green color. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.

What color is Colimaite?

Colimaite typically appears in Yellow-green. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.

Colimaite

A variety of Minerals

What is Colimaite?

Colimaite, the naturally occurring analog of synthetic K3VS4, is a sulfide mineral discovered in southwestern Mexico. The potassium-vanadium sulfide was collected from the crater of the Colima volcano. The mineral colimaite is named after the locality of this volcano and has been approved in 2007, along with its mineral name, by the Commission on New Minerals, Nomenclature and Classification (CNMNC). It has been given the International Mineralogical Association number of IMA 2007-045.

Colimaite Market Value Calculator

Estimate the market value of Colimaite using size, quality, and finish. This preview calculator is for quick context and is not a formal appraisal.

Colimaite Localities Map

See where Colimaite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.

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North ZoneCentral RidgeSouth Basin

Key Characteristics

Characteristics of Colimaite

The formations of colimaite have been described as hedgehog–like particles due to the acicular habit of extremely fine needles forming the aggregates. The size of these aggregates range from 10 to 100 µm. The needles themselves have been measured up to 50 µm in length and 20 µm in width. Although colimaite belongs to the orthorhombic crystal class, their crystallographic forms were not observed. The particles were regular parallelepipeds and elongated rectangular prisms. The color of colimaite is dark golden and opaque. The streak is a yellow green with a resinous to greasy luster. It is non-fluorescent. It is brittle with no observed cleavage and a splintery fracture. Because of grain size, the hardness and density could not be measured but the density has been calculated to 2.235 g/cm.

Composition of Colimaite

The chemical formula of colimaite is K3VS4. The enrichment of vanadium in Colima’s volcanic gases make it unique. The study of sulfur content in the fumaroles is also important, in order to know how an eruption could affect global climate due to SO2 emissions.