aquatintalla

Aquatintalla is a rare mineral with the chemical formula CsPb2Cl7. It is a member of the alinite group of minerals, which are characterized by their layered structure. Aquatintalla was first discovered in the Zaparo mine in the Atacama region of Chile. The mineral was named after the Spanish words "aqua" (water) and "tintalla" (staining), referring to its tendency to stain materials it comes into contact with.

Aquatintalla typically forms as small, prismatic crystals that are often colorless to pale yellow. It has a vitreous luster and a brittle tenacity. The mineral is known for its relatively low hardness, typically ranking around 2 on the Mohs scale. It is soluble in dilute nitric acid, which is a characteristic often used in its identification.

The geological occurrence of aquatintalla is limited. It has been found in association with other chloride minerals in arid, volcanic environments. Its formation is thought to be related to hydrothermal processes involving cesium-rich fluids. Due to its rarity and small crystal size, aquatintalla is not of significant economic importance. However, it is of interest to mineralogists for its unique chemical composition and crystal structure, contributing to the understanding of mineral diversity.