Plumbotsumite

plumbotsumite

alamosite

melanotekite

galena

Images

Formula: Pb₅Si₄O₈(OH)₁₀
Unclassified silicate
Crystal System: Orthorhombic
Specific gravity: 5.6 measured, 5.56 calculated
Hardness: 2
Streak: White
Colour: Colourless to white
Solubility: Dissolves with difficulty in hot nitric acid
Environments

Hydrothermal environments

Localities

At the type locality, the Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia, plumbotsumite is a secondary mineral developed in the oxidised zone above complex galena-bearing ores (Webmin). It occurs in irregular to skeletal grains up to 1 x 1 x 0.5 mm in size. Crystals are thick tabular, commonly twinned. It occurs on alamosite and is incrusted by melanotekite (AM 67.1075-1076).

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