General Information:
Chemical Formula:
Hg+4Hg++Cr++++++O6
Composition:
(Molecular Weight = 549.17 gm)
Chromium 9.47 % Cr
Mercury 73.05 % Hg
Oxygen 17.48 % O
Empirical Formula:
HgHgCrO6
Environment:
Oxidized zone of mercury deposits.
IMA Status:
Approved IMA
Locality:
Clear Creek mercury mine, new Idria district, San Benito County, California.
Name Origin:
The mineral is named for Mr. Lu Watters(1911-1989), a well known California mineral collector, jazz trumpeter, chef and environmentalist.
Physical Properties:
Cleavage:
None
Color:
bronze, reddish brown, or black.
Density:
8.91
Diaphaniety:
Opaque to translucent
Habits:
Encrustations - Forms crust-like aggregates on matrix., Crystalline - Fine - Occurs as well-formed fine sized crystals.,
Hardness:
4.5 - Between Fluorite and Apatite
Luminescence:
Non-fluorescent.
Luster:
Sub Metallic
Streak:
dark brick red
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