Image: <bdi><a href="https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q56247090" class="extiw" title="d:Q56247090"><span title="mineral collector and dealer">Robert M. Lavinsky</span></a></bdi> (CC BY-SA 3.0)

tetragonalrareHalides

Boleite

KPb26Cu24Cl62(OH)48

This specimen features striking deep indigo-blue cubic crystals of Boleite, often well-formed and contrasting with associated lighter minerals.

Boleite Physical Properties

Mohs Hardness

2.5

Crystal System

tetragonal

Luster

vitreous

Streak Color

pale bluish-green

Cleavage

perfect on {001}

Fracture

conchoidal

Specific Gravity

5.05

Colors

deep blue, indigo blue, sky blue, greenish-blue

Transparency

transparent to translucent

Type Locality

Sierra Gorda District, Tocopilla Province, Chile

Mineral Group

Halides

Uses

collector's item

Associated Minerals

penfieldite, cotunnite, pseudoboleite, cumengeite, atacamite

Rarity

rare

Geological Context

Boleite is a rare secondary mineral that forms in the oxidized zones of lead-copper ore deposits, typically in arid regions. It results from the alteration of primary sulfide minerals.

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