Wulfenite and Mimetite on Limonite

UNB-2018-0037Minerals » Molybdate » Wulfenite

Description

Sample of green incrusting Mimetite and brown/yellow granular Limonite with white tabular subhedral Wulfenite that has a resinous lustre. Largest Wulfenite crystal size: 0.8 cm x 0.8 cm x 0.3 cm. Wulfenite (PbMoO4) can be yellow, orange, brown, yellowish grey or whitish in colour. Lustre is resinous or adamantine and streak is white. Hardness is 3 and cleavage is distinct in one direction. Wulfenite usually occurs as tabular crystals but can also be cube-like, massive or coarse to fine-granular. Mimetite (Pb5(AsO4)3Cl) can be yellow, green, orange or brown in colour. Lustre is resinous and streak is nearly white. Hardness is 3 1/2 to 4 and cleavage is poor. Mimetite usually occurs as slender to thick needles but can also be tabular (rare), globular, reniform or incrusting in form. Limonite (FeO(OH) x nH2O) can be yellow or brown in colour. Lustre is glassy, silky or dull and streak is yellowish brown. Hardness is 4 to 5 1/2. Limonite usually occurs as earthy, fibrous, botryoidal, stalactitic crystals.

Specifications

Object nameWulfenite and Mimetite on Limonite
IDUNB-2018-0037
Legal statusPermanent collection
CategoryMineral
Classification
Mineral group:
Molybdate
Sub-group:
Wulfenite
Composition
  • PbMoO4
OriginMexico
Pieces1
PartialNo
Measurements
  • 4.6cm x 6.7cm x 3.3cm

Map of Origin

Publications

  • Chesterman, C.W. 1979. Audubon Society, Field Guide to North American Rocks and Minerals. Knopf.