oidaerita

Oidaerita is a rare and recently identified mineral that belongs to the sulfate class of minerals. It was first discovered in 2019 at the Ojuela mine in Mexico, specifically within the Tlalnepantla deposit, which is known for its diverse mineralogy. The mineral was named after the locality where it was found, with the suffix "-ita" adhering to traditional mineral nomenclature conventions.

Oidaerita has a chemical composition of Pb₂Cu₃(SO₄)(OH)₆·H₂O, indicating it contains lead (Pb), copper (Cu), sulfur (S), oxygen (O), hydrogen (H), and water (H₂O). Its crystal system is monoclinic, and it typically forms as small, blue-green to greenish-blue prismatic crystals or crusts. The mineral exhibits a vitreous to silky luster and is translucent to transparent, with a white streak. Its hardness on the Mohs scale is approximately 3, making it relatively soft compared to many other minerals.

Oidaerita is associated with other secondary minerals such as malachite, azurite, and anglesite in its type locality. Its formation is linked to the oxidation zone of copper-lead deposits, where sulfate minerals commonly develop through the alteration of primary sulfide ores. Due to its rarity and recent discovery, oidaerita remains a subject of interest for mineralogists and collectors.

The mineral’s unique composition and occurrence make it significant for scientific study, particularly in understanding the processes of mineralization in copper-lead ore deposits. As of now, confirmed occurrences of oidaerita are limited to the Ojuela mine, though further exploration may reveal additional localities.