Facherite

Facherite is a mineral species belonging to the phosphate group. It is chemically known as a hydrated copper aluminum phosphate. The mineral is typically found in the form of small, well-formed crystals, often prismatic or acicular in habit. Facherite is a relatively rare mineral, typically occurring in secondary mineral assemblages in oxidized copper and aluminum deposits. It is often found in association with other copper and aluminum phosphates such as crandallite and wardite. The color of facherite can vary, but it is commonly described as white, pale blue, or greenish. Its luster is vitreous, meaning it resembles glass. Facherite is a soft mineral, with a Mohs hardness typically ranging from 3 to 3.5. Its specific gravity is around 2.9 to 3.0. The mineral was first described in 1989 from a locality in the Facher Mine, Black Rock Desert, Utah, USA, after which it was named. Due to its rarity and small crystal size, facherite is not of significant economic importance, but it is of interest to mineral collectors and researchers studying mineral formation processes in oxidizing environments.