Chloroxiphite

chloroxiphite

mendipite

diaboleite

cotunnite

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Formula: Pb3CuO2Cl2(OH)2
Hydroxyhalide
Crystal System: Monoclinic
Specific gravity: 6.76 to 6.93 measured, 7.07 calculated
Hardness: 2½
Streak: Light yellow-green
Colour: Dull olive green
Solubility: Soluble in nitric acid
Environments

Hydrothermal environments

Chloroxiphite is a secondary mineral associated with lead and copper bearing pods in manganese-iron deposits developed along fissures in dolomitic conglomerate and limestone (Webmin, HOM).

Localities

The type locality is the Higher Pitts mine, Priddy, Mendip, Somerset, England, UK. Chloroxiphite is one of the signature minerals of the Mendip manganese deposits. It has also been found at Holwell Quarry, Merehead Quarry and the Wesley Mine. It occurs only when completely embedded in mendipite. When chloroxiphite decomposes, it often creates a powdery coating of diaboleite. One specimen from Merehead Quarry also shows the presence of cotunnite in the decomposition halo and within the powdery diaboleite (JRS 13.30).
Other associated minerals include parkinsonite, wulfenite, cerussite and hydrocerussite at the Higher Pitts Farm and in the Merehead quarry, both in the Mendip Hills (HOM).

Alteration

Chloroxiphite and diaboleite, which are often closely associated with mendipite, tend to form at the higher pH (more alkaline) end of the mendipite field. Rarely chloroxiphite occurs in contact with calcite, which again indicates high pH conditions of formation (JRS 15.23-24).

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