Linarite

Copper lead sulfate hydroxide mineral
(repeating unit)PbCu[(OH)2|SO4]IMA symbolLna[1]Strunz classification7.BC.65Crystal systemMonoclinicCrystal classPrismatic (2/m)
(same H-M symbol)Space groupP21/mUnit cella = 9.701(2), b = 5.65
c = 4.69 [Å]; β = 102.65°; Z = 2IdentificationColorDeep azure blueCrystal habitCrystals elongated and tabular; in crusts and aggregatesTwinningCommon on {100}, also on {001}CleavagePerfect on {100}, imperfect on {001}FractureConchoidalMohs scale hardness2.5LusterSub-adamantine, vitreousStreakPale blueDiaphaneityTransparent, translucentSpecific gravity5.3 – 5.5Optical propertiesBiaxial (−)Refractive indexnα = 1.809 nβ = 1.838 nγ = 1.859Birefringenceδ = 0.050PleochroismX = pale blue; Y = blue; Z = Prussian blue2V angleMeasured: 80°References[2][3][4]

Linarite is a somewhat rare, crystalline mineral that is known among mineral collectors for its unusually intense, pure blue color. It is formed by the oxidation of galena and chalcopyrite and other copper sulfides. It is a combined copper lead sulfate hydroxide with formula PbCuSO4(OH)2. Linarite occurs as monoclinic prismatic to tabular crystals and irregular masses. It is easily confused with azurite, but does not react with dilute hydrochloric acid as azurite does. It has a Mohs hardness of 2.5 and a specific gravity of 5.3 – 5.5.

Linarite was first identified in 1822. It is named after the Linares Plateau, Spain.[2] It occurs in association with brochantite, anglesite, caledonite, leadhillite, cerussite, malachite and hemimorphite.[4]

Gallery

  • A shallow pocket of crystals of an intense cobalt blue, from Darwin, Darwin District, Inyo County, California, US
    A shallow pocket of crystals of an intense cobalt blue, from Darwin, Darwin District, Inyo County, California, US
  • Linarite with malachite, Blanchard Mine, Hansonburg District, Socorro County, New Mexico US (Size: 1.1 × 0.8 × 0.4 cm)
    Linarite with malachite, Blanchard Mine, Hansonburg District, Socorro County, New Mexico US (Size: 1.1 × 0.8 × 0.4 cm)
  • Linarite with caledonite, from Baker, El Dorado County, California US (Size 5.4 × 5.2 × 3.2 cm)
    Linarite with caledonite, from Baker, El Dorado County, California US (Size 5.4 × 5.2 × 3.2 cm)
  • Unusual cerussite with a coating ingrained into the surface of microcrystalline malachite and linarite that give it a rich blue-green color
    Unusual cerussite with a coating ingrained into the surface of microcrystalline malachite and linarite that give it a rich blue-green color

References

  1. ^ Warr, L.N. (2021). "IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols". Mineralogical Magazine. 85 (3): 291–320. Bibcode:2021MinM...85..291W. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43. S2CID 235729616.
  2. ^ a b Linarite, Mindat.org, retrieved 11 July 2022
  3. ^ Barthelmy, David (2014). "Linarite Mineral Data". Webmineral.com. Retrieved 27 June 2022.
  4. ^ a b Anthony, John W.; Bideaux, Richard A.; Bladh, Kenneth W.; Nichols, Monte C. (2005). "Linarite" (PDF). Handbook of Mineralogy. Mineral Data Publishing. Retrieved 11 July 2022.
  • Mineral galleries
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