Benauite

benauite

Images

Formula: SrFe3+3(PO4)(PO3OH)(OH)6
Phosphate, plumbogummite group, alunite supergroup, strontium-bearing mineral
Crystal system: Trigonal
Specific gravity: 3.65 measured, 3.648 calculated
Hardness: 3½
Streak: Yellowish
Colour: Yellow to brown
Common impurities: K,Ca,Ba,Pb,Cu,Zn,Al,As
Environments

Hydrothermal environments

Localities

At the type locality, the Clara Mine, Oberwolfach, Ortenaukreis, Freiburg Region, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, Benauite occurs as a secondary mineral in the oxidised zone of the hydrothermal polymetallic barytefluorite deposit. It occurs as yellow to brown radial aggregates, up to 3 mm across, consisting of scaly crystals 1 mm in length. Transparent to translucent, vitreous to resinous lustre, yellowish streak, brittle, perfect cleavage, conchoidal fracture. Associated minerals include fluorite, goethite and kidwellite (AM 82.430-433, HOM).
Benauite from the Clara Mine - Image

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