Lotharmeyerite
Image: <a href="//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Archaeodontosaurus" title="User:Archaeodontosaurus">Didier Descouens</a> (CC BY 3.0)
Mineral NameLotharmeyerite
Chemical FormulaCaZnMn³⁺(AsO₄)₂(OH)
Mohs Hardness3.5
Crystal Systemmonoclinic
Lustervitreous
Streak Colorpale brown
Cleavagegood on {101}
Fractureuneven
Specific Gravity4.09
Colorsreddish-brown, brown, yellowish-brown
Transparencytransparent
Type LocalityOjuela Mine, Mapimí, Mun. de Mapimí, Durango, Mexico
Mineral GroupArsenates
Usescollector
Associated Mineralschalcophanite
Rarityrare
Description
This image displays a close-up of numerous tiny, sparkling reddish-brown lotharmeyerite crystals, each about 0.3 mm, forming a drusy coating on a darker matrix, likely chalcophanite.
Geological Context
Lotharmeyerite is a rare secondary mineral found in the oxidized zone of polymetallic ore deposits, typically forming in association with other arsenates and manganese oxides. Its occurrence at the Ojuela Mine is characteristic of such complex oxidation environments.
