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Formula: As2O3
Simple oxide, claudetite group, paramorph of
arsenolite
Crystal System: Monoclinic
Specific gravity: 4.14 to 4.15 measured, 4.186 calculated
Hardness: 2½
Streak: White
Colour: Colourless, white
Solubility: Soluble in hot alkali solutions (Dana)
POISONOUS
Environments
Claudetite occurs as a secondary oxidation product derived from
realgar, orpiment,
arsenopyrite, or other arsenic-bearing minerals, or as a sublimation product of mine
fires (Webmin, HOM). Associated minerals include arsenolite,
realgar, orpiment and
sulphur
(HOM).
Localities
At the La Salle mine, France, claudetite has been found with native sulphur and
orpiment
(Dana ).
The type locality is the São Domingos mine, Corte do Pinto, Mértola, Beja, Portugal.
At Imperial county, California, USA, about 50 km north of Yuma, Arizona, claudetite has been found as an alteration product of
realgar
(Dana ).
At Island Mountain, Coastal Range, Trinity county, California, USA, claudetite has been found as crusts in the
gossan of a pyrrhotite deposit
(Dana).
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