Mimetite

Mimetite is a lead arsenate chloride mineral which often occurs as small prismatic crystals, but it can also be found in botryoidal (grape-like) or reniform (kidney-shaped) forms.

Mimetite can occur in various colours, including yellow, orange, brown, and green. Mimetite forms part of a series with Pyromorphite and it can be difficult to differentiate between Pyromorphite and Mimetite without laboratory access.

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Information about Mimetite

Mimetite is a lead arsenate chloride mineral that often forms in prismatic, needle-like crystals, though it can also appear as botryoidal or globular masses.

Its colour ranges from bright yellow and orange to greenish-yellow or brown, depending on impurities.

The mineral has an adamantine to resinous luster and is transparent to opaque. Its striking colours and crystal forms make it a favorite among mineral collectors.

It forms a series with pyromorphite, and can easily be confused with it without chemical analysis. It also forms a series with vanadinite.

Mimetite-pyromorphite series: Pb5(AsO4)3Cl to Pb5(PO4)3Cl.

Mimetite-vanadinite series: Pb5(AsO4)3Cl to Pb5(VO4)3Cl.

 

Uses and History

While mimetite has no significant industrial applications due to its toxicity, it is highly prized by collectors for its vibrant colors and unique crystal structures.

Mimetite derives its name from the Greek word “mimetes,” meaning “imitator,” because it closely resembles pyromorphite, a chemically similar mineral. It was named in 1835 by François Sulpice Beudant and has since been identified in numerous lead-rich deposits worldwide.

 

Mineralogy

Chemistry
A lead arsenate chloride mineral with the formula Pb5(AsO4)3Cl.
Colours and Variations

Pale yellow, yellow brown, yellow orange, orange, white, yellow green.

Streak
White
Luster
Subadamantine, resinous
Transparency
Transparent to opaque.
Fracture
Brittle, conchoidal
Crystal habit
Prismatic to acicular, reniform, botryoidal, globular.
Mohs hardness
3.5 – 4.0
Fluorescence
Specific Gravity
7.24
Easiest testing method

Hazards and Warnings

Toxic mineral, contains lead and 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.

 

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  • ミメタイト

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Further Reading / External Links