Mendozavilite-KCa is a rare molybdophosphate mineral typically found as a secondary oxidation product in arid molybdenum deposits. Collectors should look for earthy, yellow to orange crusts or powdery coatings associated with molybdenum ores, often requiring magnification for identification.
Is this mendozavilite-kca?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch mendozavilite-kca with a known reference. Mendozavilite-KCa sits at Mohs 2 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Mendozavilite-KCa leaves a yellow streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Mendozavilite-KCa typically shows a earthy luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, orange, brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: massive, powdery, or as fine-grained efflorescences.
Often confused with
Mendozavilite-KCa vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Luster reads earthy on Mendozavilite-KCa and silky on Molybdite.
How to tell apart: Lindgrenite is the harder of the two (Mohs 3 vs. 2); streak differs — Mendozavilite-KCa leaves yellow, Lindgrenite leaves pale yellowish-green; luster reads earthy on Mendozavilite-KCa and pearly on Lindgrenite.
Often found alongside mendozavilite-kca
Minerals reported to co-occur with mendozavilite-kca. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- K₂Ca₂(Mo₈O₂₄)(OH)₄(H₂O)₁₀·nH₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2
- Density
- 3.37 g/cm³
- Streak
- Yellow
- Luster
- Earthy
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Massive, Powdery, Or as Fine-grained Efflorescences
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Zones of Molybdenum-bearing Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find mendozavilite-kca
Classic worldwide localities
- Mendoza, Argentina
- Chuquicamata, Chile
- Arizona, USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized zones of molybdenum-bearing deposits country — that is the host setting where mendozavilite-kca typically forms. If you start seeing molybdenite, gypsum, jarosite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a massive, powdery, or as fine-grained efflorescences habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify mendozavilite-kca?+
Where is mendozavilite-kca found?+
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What minerals are found with mendozavilite-kca?+
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Find mendozavilite-kca on the map
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