Linarite - Encyclopedia
Class : Sulphates, chromates, molybdates
Subclass : Anhydrous sulfates
Crystal system : Monoclinic
Chemistry : PbCuSO4(OH)2
Rarity : Fairly rare
Linarite is a mineral from the oxidation zone of copper deposits, where its formation is favored by the presence of galena and by slightly acidic conditions. Its name comes from its site of discovery : Linares in Spain. It occurs in elongated prismatic crystals, often tabular or lanceolate, isolated or in groups, in encrustations or in tufted crystalline aggregates, of a deep azure blue color. This color similar to that of azurite is probably the source of much confusion : linarite is perhaps more common than is generally admitted. It is a mineral that has no particular use and remains relatively unknown to collectors.
Linarite in the World
Linarite in France
In France, linarite is known in small fibroradiated groups at Argentolles (Saône-et-Loire), and reported in the mines of Anglais (Cantal) and Alzen (Ariège).
Twinning
This mineral species twins on {100} and more rarely on {001}.
Fakes and treatments
No fake recorded for this mineral species which can easily be confused with azurite.
Hardness : 2.5
Density : 5.35
Fracture : Conchoidal
Trace : Blue
TP : Translucent to transparent
RI : 1.809 to 1.859
Birefringence : 0.050
Optical character : Biaxial -
Pleochroism : Visible
Fluorescence : None
Solubility : Nitric acid
Magnetism : None
Radioactivity : None