Lawrencite

lawrencite

iron

molysite

Images

Formula: FeCl₂
Chloride, lawrencite group
Crystal System: Trigonal
Specific gravity: 3.16 measured on synthetic material, 3.26 calculated
Hardness: Soft
Colour: White (unoxidised), green to brown (oxidised)
Solubility: Extremely hygroscopic, readily soluble in water
Environments

Meteorites
Volcanic sublimates

Lawrencite occurs in iron meteorites, presumed to be a terrestrial alteration of meteoritic iron. Also as a volcanic sublimate. Associated minerals include iron and molysite (HOM).

Localities

At Uivfaq, Disko Island, Qeqertalik, Greenland, lawrencite has been found in native iron (Dana).

At the Vesuvius fumaroles, Metropolitan City of Naples, Campania, Italy, lawrencite has been reported as a sublimation product (Dana).

The type locality is the Tazewell meteorite, Claiborne County, Tennessee, USA, which is an iron meteorite.

Back to Minerals