Hydroxylhedyphane
Hydroxylhedyphane is a rare phosphate mineral with the chemical formula calcium lead arsenate hydroxide. It belongs to the apatite group and crystallizes in the hexagonal crystal system. The mineral is typically found in low hardness, with a Mohs hardness of 3 to 4, and has a relatively high density due to the presence of lead. It exhibits a vitreous luster and is usually colorless or white in appearance. As a hydroxyl-bearing mineral, it is part of the phosphate mineral class, specifically within the arsphenate subgroup.
Composition
- PbLead54.7%
- AsArsenic19.8%
- OOxygen18.3%
- CaCalcium7.1%
- HHydrogen0.1%
Overview
Hydroxylhedyphane is a rare phosphate mineral with the chemical formula calcium lead arsenate hydroxide. It belongs to the apatite group and crystallizes in the hexagonal crystal system. The mineral is typically found in low hardness, with a Mohs hardness of 3 to 4, and has a relatively high density due to the presence of lead. It exhibits a vitreous luster and is usually colorless or white in appearance. As a hydroxyl-bearing mineral, it is part of the phosphate mineral class, specifically within the arsphenate subgroup.
How to recognize it
Hydroxylhedyphane can be identified by its low hardness of 3 to 4 on the Mohs scale, its colorless or white color, and its vitreous luster. It typically has a white streak and a relatively high density. Due to its rarity and similarity in appearance to other phosphate minerals, it may be confused with similar species, requiring chemical analysis for accurate identification.