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Formula: Pb2+5H2I3+O6Cl3
Iodate
Crystal System: Tetragonal
Specific gravity: 7.39 measured
Hardness: 2½
Streak: Light yellow
Colour: Yellow to yellow-brown, reddish brown
Solubility: Soluble in hydrochloric acid with evolution of toxic chlorine gas
Environments
Schwartzembergite is a rare secondary mineral formed in the
oxidised zone of hydrothermal polymetallic deposits in an arid climate. Associated minerals include
cerussite, anglesite,
paralaurionite, boleite and
seeligerite. Schwartzembergite is a highly unusual mineral since it
contains trivalent iodine
(HOM, Mindat).
Localities
At the type locality, Cachinal, Antofagasta Province, Antofagasta, Chile, schwartzembergite occurs as a crust on
galena. Associated minerals include cerussite
and anglesite, as well as galena
(Mindat).
At the San Rafael mine, Quebrada Honda, Caracoles mining district, Sierra Gorda, Antofagasta Province, Antofagasta, Chile,
schwartzembergite occurs with paralaurionite
(Dana).
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