Images
Formula: Pb3CuO2Cl2(OH)2
Hydroxyhalide
Crystal System: Monoclinic
Specific gravity: 6.76 to 6.93 measured, 7.07 calculated
Hardness: 2½
Streak: Light yellow-green
Colour: Dull olive green
Solubility: Soluble in nitric acid
Environments
Chloroxiphite is a secondary mineral associated with
lead and copper bearing pods in
manganese-iron deposits developed along fissures in
dolomitic conglomerate and
limestone
(Webmin, HOM).
Localities
The type locality is the Higher Pitts mine, Priddy, Mendip, Somerset, England, UK. Chloroxiphite is one of the signature minerals of the
Mendip manganese deposits. It has also been found at Holwell Quarry, Merehead Quarry and the Wesley Mine.
It occurs only when completely embedded in mendipite. When chloroxiphite decomposes, it often
creates a powdery coating of diaboleite. One specimen from Merehead Quarry also shows the presence of
cotunnite in the decomposition halo and within the powdery
diaboleite
(JRS 13.30).
Other associated minerals include parkinsonite, wulfenite,
cerussite and hydrocerussite at the Higher Pitts Farm
and in the Merehead quarry, both in the Mendip Hills
(HOM).
Alteration
Chloroxiphite and diaboleite, which are often closely associated with
mendipite, tend to form at the higher pH (more alkaline) end of the
mendipite field. Rarely chloroxiphite occurs in contact with
calcite, which again indicates high pH conditions of formation
(JRS 15.23-24).
Back to Minerals