Caracolite

minerals

atacamite

bindheimite

osarizawaite

Formula: Na₂(Pb₂Na)(SO₄)₃Cl
Anhydrous sulphate containing halogen, hedyphane group
Specific gravity: 5.1 (approximate) measured, 4.5 calculated
Hardness: 4½
Streak: White
Colour: Colourless, greyish, greenish stained, colourless in transmitted light
Solubility: Partially decomposed in water, soluble in ammonium acetate solution or hot KOH solution (Dana)
Environments

Hydrothermal environments

Caracolite is a rare secondary mineral in the oxidised zone of chlorine-rich lead deposits (HOM ).

Localities

At the type locality, the Beatriz mine, Caracoles, Sierra Gorda, Antofagasta Province, Antofagasta, Chile, caracolite occurs as crystalline incrustations with pseudohexagonal crystals to 1mm, associated with boleite, pseudoboleite, galena, bindheimite and anglesite (Mindat, HOM).

At the Herminia Mine, Caracoles, Sierra Gorda, Antofagasta Province, Antofagasta, Chile, caracolite is associated with atacamite, boleite, osarizawaite–beaverite and paratacamite (HOM).

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