How do I identify Mosesite?

Mosesite can be identified by its hardness of 3 - 4 on the Mohs scale, Yellow; turns olive-green upon prolonged exposure to light. color. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.

What color is Mosesite?

Mosesite typically appears in Yellow; turns olive-green upon prolonged exposure to light.. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.

How hard is Mosesite?

Mosesite has a hardness of 3 - 4 on the Mohs scale. This makes it a soft mineral that can be scratched easily.

Mosesite

A variety of Minerals

What is Mosesite?

Mosesite is a very rare mineral found in few locations. It is a mercury mineral found as an accessory in deposits of mercury, often in conjunction with limestone. It is known to be found in the U.S. states of Texas and Nevada, and the Mexican states of Guerrero and Querétaro. It was named after Professor Alfred J. Moses (1859–1920) for his contributions to the field of mineralogy in discovering several minerals found alongside mosesite. The mineral itself is various shades of yellow and a high occurrence of spinel twinning. It becomes isotropic when heated to 186 °C (367 °F).

Mosesite Market Value Calculator

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

Mosesite Localities Map

See where Mosesite 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 Mosesite

Mosesite is a minute yellow crystal with imperfect cleavage along {111} and uneven fracture. It is brittle with a hardness of 3.5. Long exposure, a month or more, to light will change Mosesite to a light olive green color. The powdered form retains its color streaking a light yellow. The mineral exhibits no pleochroism and displays uneven birefringence in polarized light. Heat has a notable effect on Mosesite for when heated above 186 °C (367 °F) the mineral becomes isotropic. This corresponds optically with the observed crystal form only at this higher temperature. It is considered weakly anisotropic. The index of refraction is n = 2.065±0.01. It has an adamantine luster that officially ranges in color from lemon yellow to canary yellow. Mosesite reacts chemically with HCl leaving a residue of HgCl.

Composition of Mosesite

Mosesite contains 16 Hg, 3 Cl, 1½ SO4, ½ CO3 , ½ MoO4, 16 H, and 8 N with a volume of 8.4777x10 nm³ and calculated density of 7.53 g/cm³. The accepted formula for mosesite is Hg2N(Cl,SO4,MoO4,CO3)•H20.