Lahnsteinite

lahnsteinite

hydrozincite

pyromorphite

perroudite

Images

Formula: Zn4(SO4)(OH)6.3H2O
Hydrated zinc sulphate, namuwite group
Crystal System: Triclinic
Specific gravity: 2.98 measured, 2.995 calculated
Hardness: 1½
Colour: Colourless
Environments


Localities

At the type locality, the Friedrichssegen Mine, Friedrichssegen, Lahnstein, Rhein-Lahn-Kreis, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany, lahnsteinite was discovered at the mine dump. It formed in the oxidation zone of a complex lead - zinc - copper - silver - iron deposit, where the ore is related to quartz-siderite veins that crosscut Devonian (419.62 to 358.86 million years ago) schist. The lahnsteinite occurs in cavities in goethite, and is associated with hydrozincite, pyromorphite and native copper. Perroudite, native silver, iodine- and chlorine- bearing mercury and silver sulphides were found in similar cavities in goethite.
Lahnsteinite forms hexagonal tabular crystals up to 0.15 × 0.5 × 0.5 mm3 in size (AM 99.1.242-247).
Lahnsteinite from the Friedrichssegen Mine - Image

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