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Chloroxiphite

A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered
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04927670017271922002772.jpg
Chloroxiphite, etc.

Torr Works Quarry, Cranmore, Mendip, Somerset, England, UK
07097480017271922055908.jpg
Chloroxiphite, etc.

Torr Works Quarry, Cranmore, Mendip, Somerset, England, UK
09703780017451666757642.jpg
Chloroxiphite, etc.

Torr Works Quarry, Cranmore, Mendip, Somerset, England, UK
09865420017864769933785.jpg
Chloroxiphite, etc.

Torr Works Quarry, Cranmore, Mendip, Somerset, England, UK
07097480017271922055908.jpg
Chloroxiphite, etc.

Torr Works Quarry, Cranmore, Mendip, Somerset, England, UK
07558890017437691934935.jpg
Chloroxiphite, etc.

Torr Works Quarry, Cranmore, Mendip, Somerset, England, UK
04949830017271922099190.jpg
Chloroxiphite, etc.

Torr Works Quarry, Cranmore, Mendip, Somerset, England, UK
07097480017271922055908.jpg
Chloroxiphite, etc.

Torr Works Quarry, Cranmore, Mendip, Somerset, England, UK
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About ChloroxiphiteHide

Formula:
Pb3CuO2Cl2(OH)2
Colour:
Dull olive green
Lustre:
Adamantine, Resinous
Hardness:
2½
Specific Gravity:
6.76 - 6.93
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Name:
From the Greek χλωρός, green and ζιφος, a blade or sword, in allusion to its color and crystal habit.
This page provides mineralogical data about Chloroxiphite.


Unique IdentifiersHide

Mindat ID:
953
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:953:9

IMA Classification of ChloroxiphiteHide

IMA status:
Approved, 'Grandfathered' (first described prior to 1959)
IMA Formula:
Pb2+3Cu2+O2Cl2(OH)2
First published:
1923
Type description reference:
Spencer, L. J. (1923) New lead-copper minerals from the Mendip Hills (Somerset) Mineralogical Magazine and Journal of the Mineralogical Society, 20 (102) 67-92 doi:10.1180/minmag.1923.020.102.01

Classification of ChloroxiphiteHide

Strunz-mindat (2026):
3.DB.30

3 : HALIDES
D : Oxyhalides, hydroxyhalides and related double halides
B : With Pb, Cu, etc.
Dana 8th ed.:
10.6.4.1

10 : OXYHALIDES AND HYDROXYHALIDES
6 : AmBn(O,OH)pXq
Hey's CIM Ref.:
8.8.15

8 : Halides - Fluorides, Chlorides, Bromides and Iodides; also Fluoborates and Fluosilicates
8 : Halides of Pb

Mineral SymbolsHide

As of 2021 there are now IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols (abbreviations) for each mineral species, useful for tables and diagrams.

SymbolSourceReference for Standard
CxpIMA–CNMNCWarr, L.N. (2021). IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols. Mineralogical Magazine, 85(3), 291-320. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43

Pronunciation of ChloroxiphiteHide

Pronunciation:
PlayRecorded byCountry
Jolyon RalphUnited Kingdom

Physical Properties of ChloroxiphiteHide

Lustre:
Adamantine, Resinous
Transparency:
Transparent
Colour:
Dull olive green
Streak:
Light green yellow
Hardness:
2½ on Mohs scale
Tenacity:
Very brittle
Cleavage:
Perfect
On {101} perfect; {100} distinct.
Density:
6.76 - 6.93 g/cm3 (Measured)    7.07 g/cm3 (Calculated)

Optical Data of ChloroxiphiteHide

Type:
Biaxial (-)
RI values:
nα = 2.16 nβ = 2.24 nγ = 2.25
2V:
Measured: 70° , Calculated: 36°
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.090
Based on recorded range of RI values above.

Interference Colours:
The colours simulate birefringence patterns seen in thin section under crossed polars. They do not take into account mineral colouration or opacity.

Michel-Levy Bar The default colours simulate the birefringence range for a 30 µm thin-section thickness. Adjust the slider to simulate a different thickness.

Grain Simulation You can rotate the grain simulation to show how this range might look as you rotated a sample under crossed polars. Each grain retains its interference colour (retardation) while its brightness falls to black at extinction and reaches a maximum between extinction positions.

Surface Relief:
Very High (positive)
Relative to Canada balsam mounting medium (n ≈ 1.537).

This shows the grain boundary and Becke line effect under plane-polarised light, based on the contrast between this mineral's average refractive index and the mounting medium. It does not take into account mineral colouration.
In focus
Interference Figure:
This shows the idealized biaxial acute bisectrix (Bxa) interference figure - the conoscopic view for a grain cut perpendicular to the acute bisectrix, using this mineral's 2V. The two small white dots mark the melatopes - the points where the two optic axes emerge - and are shown only when they fall within the field of view. The coloured bands are isochromatics, and the dark bands are isogyres.

Rotate the stage: at 0°/90° the isogyres form a cross through the melatopes; at 45° they pull apart into curved hyperbolas. That splitting on rotation - absent in a uniaxial figure - is the standard diagnostic test for telling biaxial minerals from uniaxial ones. If 2V is large, the melatopes may fall outside the field of view, as they often do at the microscope too.
Dispersion:
extreme
Pleochroism:
Visible
Comments:
X ≈ perpendicular to {101}
Y = brown
Z = b = green

Chemistry of ChloroxiphiteHide

Mindat Formula:
Pb3CuO2Cl2(OH)2
Element Weights:
Element% weight
Pb75.614 %
Cl8.625 %
O7.785 %
Cu7.730 %
H0.245 %

Calculated from ideal end-member formula.
Pb
Cl
O
Cu
H
Elements listed:
Cl, Cu, H, O, Pb - search for minerals with similar chemistry

Crystallography of ChloroxiphiteHide

Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Class (H-M):
2/m - Prismatic
Space Group:
P21/m
Cell Parameters:
a = 6.6972(8) Å, b = 5.7538(5) Å, c = 10.4686(14) Å
β = 97.747(10)°
Ratio:
a:b:c = 1.164 : 1 : 1.819
Unit Cell V:
399.72 ų
Morphology:
Crystals bladed, elongated [010] and flattened {101}. Subparallel groups. {101} roughly striated [010].

Crystal StructureHide

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IDSpeciesReferenceLinkYearLocalityPressure (GPa)Temp (K)
0019224ChloroxiphiteSiidra O I, Krivovichev S V, Turner R W, Rumsey M S (2008) Chloroxiphite Pb3CuO2(OH)2Cl2: structure refinement and description in terms of oxocentred OPb4 tetrahedra Mineralogical Magazine 72 793-7982008Merehead Quarry, Somerset, England0293
0014466ChloroxiphiteFinney J J, Graeber E J, Rosenzweig A, Hamilton R D (1977) The structure of chloroxiphite, Pb3CuO2(OH)2Cl2 Mineralogical Magazine 41 357-3611977Mendip Hills, Somerset, England0293
CIF Raw Data - click here to close

X-Ray Powder DiffractionHide

Powder Diffraction Data:
d-spacingIntensity
2.86 Å(100)
10.3 Å(80)
3.84 Å(80)
2.80 Å(70)
5.90 Å(60)
2.68 Å(60)
2.06 Å(60)

Geological EnvironmentHide

Paragenetic Mode(s):
Paragenetic ModeEarliest Age (Ga)
Stage 7: Great Oxidation Event<2.4
47a : [Near-surface hydration of prior minerals]
47g : [Halogen-bearing surface weathering minerals]
Stage 10b: Anthropogenic minerals<10 Ka
56 : Slag and smelter minerals (see also #51 and #55)

Type Occurrence of ChloroxiphiteHide

Type Locality:
ⓘ Higher Pitts Mine, Priddy, Mendip, Somerset, England, UK
General Appearance of Type Material:
Green, blade-like crystals embedded in mendipite.
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
The Natural History Museum, London, England, 1923,712–717.
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
DiaboleiteMendipite
Reference:
Spencer, L. J. (1923) New lead-copper minerals from the Mendip Hills (Somerset) Mineralogical Magazine and Journal of the Mineralogical Society, 20 (102) 67-92 doi:10.1180/minmag.1923.020.102.01

Synonyms of ChloroxiphiteHide

Other Language Names for ChloroxiphiteHide

Simplified Chinese:绿铜铅矿
Traditional Chinese:綠銅鉛礦

Common AssociatesHide

Associations Based on Photo Data:
44 photos of Chloroxiphite associated with MendipitePb3Cl2O2
18 photos of Chloroxiphite associated with DiaboleitePb2CuCl2(OH)4
16 photos of Chloroxiphite associated with ParalaurionitePbCl(OH)
12 photos of Chloroxiphite associated with CredneriteCu+Mn3+O2
10 photos of Chloroxiphite associated with MereheaditePb47Cl25(OH)13O24(CO3)(BO3)2
6 photos of Chloroxiphite associated with ParkinsonitePb7MoO9Cl2
6 photos of Chloroxiphite associated with CalciteCaCO3
4 photos of Chloroxiphite associated with CerussitePbCO3
2 photos of Chloroxiphite associated with HydrocerussitePb3(CO3)2(OH)2
1 photo of Chloroxiphite associated with FiedleritePb3FCl4(OH) · H2O

Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat GroupingHide

3.DB.RickturneritePb7O4[Mg(OH)4](OH)Cl3Orth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) : Pnma
3.DB.05DiaboleitePb2CuCl2(OH)4Tet. 4mm : P4mm
3.DB.10PseudoboleitePb31Cu24Cl62(OH)48Tet. 4/mmm(4/m2/m2/m) : I4/mmm
3.DB.15BoleiteKPb26Ag9Cu24(OH)48Cl62Iso. m3m(4/m32/m) : Pm3m
3.DB.20CumengeitePb21Cu20Cl42(OH)40 · 6H2OTet. 4/mmm(4/m2/m2/m) : I4/mmm
3.DB.25BideauxitePb2AgCl3(F,OH)2Iso. m3m(4/m32/m) : Fd3m
3.DB.35HematophanitePb4Fe3O8(OH,Cl)Tet. 4mm : P4mm
3.DB.40ParkinsonitePb7MoO9Cl2Tet.
3.DB.40JanchevitePb9V5+(O10.25◻0.75)Cl2.5Tric. 1 : P1
3.DB.40AsisitePb7SiO9Cl2 Tet. 4/mmm(4/m2/m2/m) : I4/mmm
3.DB.45EddaviditeCu12Pb2O15Br2Iso. m3m(4/m32/m) : Fm3m
3.DB.45MurdochiteCu12Pb2O15Cl2Iso. m3m(4/m32/m) : Fm3m
3.DB.50YedlinitePb6Cr3+Cl6(O,OH,H2O)8Trig. 3 : R3
3.DB.55SiidraitePb2Cu(OH)2I3Orth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) : Fddd

Other InformationHide

Notes:
Soluble in nitric acid.
Health Risks:
No information on health risks for this material has been entered into the database. You should always treat mineral specimens with care.

Internet Links for ChloroxiphiteHide

References for ChloroxiphiteHide

Localities for ChloroxiphiteHide

Showing 10 localities.

This map shows a selection of localities that have latitude and longitude coordinates recorded. Click on the symbol to view information about a locality. The symbol next to localities in the list can be used to jump to that position on the map.
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Locality ListHide

- This locality has map coordinates listed. - This locality has estimated coordinates. ⓘ - Click for references and further information on this occurrence. ? - Indicates mineral may be doubtful at this locality. - Good crystals or important locality for species. - World class for species or very significant. (TL) - Type Locality for a valid mineral species. (FRL) - First Recorded Locality for everything else (eg varieties). Struck out - Mineral was erroneously reported from this locality. Faded * - Never found at this locality but inferred to have existed at some point in the past (e.g. from pseudomorphs).

All localities listed without proper references should be considered as questionable.
China
 
  • Xinjiang
    • Hami Prefecture (Kumul Prefecture; Qumul Prefecture)
      • Yizhou District
pubs.usgs.gov (2006)
Germany
 
  • Saxony-Anhalt
    • Mansfeld-Südharz
      • Hettstedt
Knoll (2003)
Greece
 
  • Attica
    • East Attica
      • Lavreotiki
Schnorrer (1995) +2 other references
        • Velatouri
Gelaude et al. (1996)
UK
 
  • England
    • Bristol
      • Westbury on Trym
Day (1999)
    • Cornwall
      • Crantock
BMS Newsletter 79 (http://britishmicromountsociety.homestead.com/Gannell-Smelter.html)
    • Somerset
      • Mendip
        • Cranmore
Symes (1977) +3 other references
        • Nunney
Day (1999)
        • Priddy
Mineralogical Magazine (1923) +2 other references
Palache et al. (1951)
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