Specimen data for Serpierite

Tom Mortimer catalog number: U544

Identification method: Identification by Bob Janules, original specimen collector. The EDS plot below is of a similar specimen from the Mascot Mine. Although this plot is from a qualitative analysis, it is the best reproducible data known to the author. The plot may be useful as a comparative reference for future analysis of specimens from this locality. Elements sodium and lighter do not give a response the instrument used. The analysis was performed by the SEM lab at the University of New Orleans on a specimen provided by Bob Janules.

Notes: Reference: article by Bob Janules in the Micromounters of New England Newsletter, November, 2003, "Mascot Musings" - part 2. Quoting Bob from his article: " Serpierite is rather uncommon, (at Mascot - ed.), forming as crusts upon the dump material. The crusts are made up of individual flat needles of light to medium blue color. This mineral can easily be mistaken for blue Mascot aurichalcite. If large enough, individual blades are present, an examination of the terminations will distinguish the minerals. Aurichalcite, with its orthorhombic symetry features 'picket fence' terminal ends, while the serpierite shows the oblique angle characteristic of monoclinic minerals. Aurichalcite will fizz when exposed to acid, while serpierite will not."