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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
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
baryte–fluorite 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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