Descloizite
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)
Mineral NameDescloizite
Chemical FormulaPbZn(VO4)(OH)
Mohs Hardness3.5
Crystal Systemorthorhombic
Streak Coloryellowish-brown to brownish-red
Cleavagepoor on {010}
Fractureuneven
Specific Gravity5.9
Colorsorange-red, reddish-brown, dark brown
Transparencytranslucent
Type LocalityBerg Aukas (Berg Aukus), Grootfontein District, Otjozondjupa Region, Namibia
Mineral Groupvanadates
Usescollector, minor ore of lead and vanadium
Associated Mineralswulfenite, mimetite, vanadinite, cerussite
Rarityuncommon
Description
This specimen features a cluster of vibrant orange-red to dark reddish-brown descloizite crystals, displaying a blocky or tabular habit with a resinous luster. Some darker, possibly associated minerals are visible within the central part of the cluster.
Geological Context
Descloizite is a secondary mineral typically found in the oxidized zones of lead-zinc ore deposits, forming through the alteration of primary lead and zinc minerals in the presence of vanadium-rich solutions.
