Schwartzembergite

schwartzembergite

anglesite

cerussite

paralaurionite

Images

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

Hydrothermal 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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