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Formula: PbO simple oxide
Crystal System: Tetragonal
Specific gravity: 9.14 measured on synthetic material, 9.35 calculated
Hardness: 2
Streak: Red
Colour: Red
Solubility: Litharge is easily fusible, and soluble in hydrochloric and nitric acid. Slowly soluble in alkalis
(Dana)
Environment
Metamorphic environments
Hydrothermal environments
Litharge occurs as an alteration product of other lead-bearing minerals.
Associated minerals include lead, galena,
massicot, plattnerite and
hydrocerussite
(HOM).
Litharge converts to massicot, at 488oC
(Mindat).
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