Mimetite

Real mineral · rare · Pb₅(AsO₄)₃Cl

A lead arsenate of oxidised lead veins, named for how closely it mimics pyromorphite: the two form a continuous series and are told apart only by chemistry. Rounded yellow to orange crusts are its usual form.

Identity

Formula

Pb₅(AsO₄)₃Cl

Chemical class

phosphate

Mineral group

Apatite, Pyromorphite, Vanadinite

Also known as

Campylite

Crystallography

Crystal system

hexagonal

Habits

prismatic, botryoidal, drusy

Fracture

conchoidal

Physical properties

Mohs hardness

4

Density

7.17 g/cm³

Luster

adamantine, resinous

Colors

white, yellow, orange, brown, red

Streak

white

Transparency

transparent, translucent

Geology

Origins

hydrothermal

Host rocks

oxidised lead ore

Associated minerals

Pyromorphite, Cerussite, Galena

Geography

Namibia, Mexico, United Kingdom

Classification

Rarity

rare

Gem quality

No

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