| Linarite | |
|---|---|
 | |
| General | |
| Category | Sulfate minerals |
| Formula | PbCu[(OH)2|SO4] |
| IMA symbol | Lna[1] |
| Strunz classification | 7.BC.65 |
| Crystal system | Monoclinic |
| Crystal class | Prismatic (2/m) (sameH-M symbol) |
| Space group | P21/m |
| Unit cell | a = 9.701(2), b = 5.65 c = 4.69 [Å]; β = 102.65°; Z = 2 |
| Identification | |
| Color | Deep azure blue |
| Crystal habit | Crystals elongated and tabular; in crusts and aggregates |
| Twinning | Common on {100}, also on {001} |
| Cleavage | Perfect on {100}, imperfect on {001} |
| Fracture | Conchoidal |
| Mohs scale hardness | 2.5 |
| Luster | Sub-adamantine, vitreous |
| Streak | Pale blue |
| Diaphaneity | Transparent, translucent |
| Specific gravity | 5.3 – 5.5 |
| Optical properties | Biaxial (−) |
| Refractive index | nα = 1.809 nβ = 1.838 nγ = 1.859 |
| Birefringence | δ = 0.050 |
| Pleochroism | X = pale blue; Y = blue; Z = Prussian blue |
| 2V angle | Measured: 80° |
| References | [2][3][4] |
Linarite is a somewhat rare, crystalline mineral that is known amongmineral collectors for its unusually intense, pure blue color. It is formed by theoxidation ofgalena andchalcopyrite and other copper sulfides. It is a combinedcopperleadsulfatehydroxide with formula PbCuSO4(OH)2. Linarite occurs asmonoclinic prismatic to tabular crystals and irregular masses. It is easily confused withazurite, but does not react with dilutehydrochloric acid as azurite does. It has aMohs hardness of 2.5 and aspecific gravity of 5.3 – 5.5.
Linarite was first identified in 1822. It is named after the Linares Plateau,Spain.[2] It occurs in association withbrochantite,anglesite,caledonite,leadhillite,cerussite,malachite andhemimorphite.[4]
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