wchonite

Wchonite is a rare tungsten-bearing oxide-hydroxide mineral described from ultramafic rock environments in the Lorest belt. It forms deep blue to violet prismatic crystals that are typically intergrown in veinlets within serpentinized rocks.

Crystal system and properties: Wchonite crystallizes in the monoclinic system. Typical crystals are tabular to prismatic, up to several centimeters. It has a vitreous to submetallic luster, white streak, Mohs hardness 5.5–6, and a calculated density around 7.7–7.9 g/cm3. It is opaque to translucent with pleochroism in violet-to-blue shades.

Composition and structure: The composition is tungsten-rich with oxygen and hydrogen forming oxide-hydroxide layers; the structure features interconnected WO6 octahedra with hydrogen-bonded layers. Trace elements include Mn and Ti.

Occurrence and formation: Wchonite forms in hydrothermal veins associated with serpentine, magnetite, and calcite in ultramafic metasediments; it is believed to crystallize from tungsten-bearing fluids under low-silica conditions; only a handful of specimens are known.

Availability and applications: Due to rarity, Wchonite has no commercial mining significance. It is of interest to researchers for its unique structure and tungsten content, with potential uses in ceramic glazes or as a pigment in specialized applications if synthetic production becomes feasible.

Safety: Handling requires standard mineral safety measures; no specific hazards beyond common tungsten-bearing minerals.