Information about Bayldonite

Bayldonite is a striking secondary copper–lead arsenate mineral, often forming in globular aggregates, botryoidal crusts, or scaly granular masses.

It typically displays vivid apple green, olive green, or sometimes yellow-green hues, with a slightly waxy to resinous lustre. Crystals are rare and usually microcrystalline when present, forming in oxidised zones of lead and copper deposits.

Its aesthetic colour and surface texture make it a desirable addition to mineral collections.

Uses and History

Bayldonite has no industrial application due to its rarity and arsenic content. It is mainly prized by mineral collectors, particularly those who specialise in brightly coloured secondary minerals.

The mineral was first described in 1865 and named after John Bayldon, an English metallurgist who contributed to studies of ores and smelting techniques.

It has been found in a number of famous localities, particularly in Cornwall (UK), Tsumeb (Namibia), and Laurium (Greece). Cornish mines, such as Wheal Gorland, have produced particularly fine specimens, solidifying Bayldonite’s place in classic European mineralogy.

Mineralogy

Hazards and Warnings

Toxic mineral: contains arsenic.

Mineral collectors should wash their hands after handling specimens, to avoid any exposure to potential toxins.

Almost all rocks, minerals (and, frankly, almost all other substances on earth) can produce toxic dust when cutting, which can cause serious respiratory conditions including silicosis. When cutting or polishing rocks, minerals, shells, etc, all work should be done wet to minimise the dust, and a suitable respirator or extraction system should be used.

Translations

Further Reading / External Links

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bayldonite
• https://www.mindat.org/min-581.html
• https://handbookofmineralogy.org/pdfs/bayldonite.pdf