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Symesite

A valid IMA mineral species
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04544950017271929615547.jpg
Symesite

Torr Works Quarry, Cranmore, Mendip, Somerset, England, UK
04544950017271929615547.jpg
Symesite

Torr Works Quarry, Cranmore, Mendip, Somerset, England, UK
04544950017271929615547.jpg
Symesite

Torr Works Quarry, Cranmore, Mendip, Somerset, England, UK
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About SymesiteHide

08620850017271929642429.jpg
Bob Symes and his book
Formula:
Pb10(SO4)O7Cl4 · H2O
Colour:
Pink
Lustre:
Adamantine, Vitreous
Hardness:
4
Specific Gravity:
7.3
Crystal System:
Triclinic
Member of:
Nadorite Group
Name:
Named for Robert Frederick Symes (10 February 1939, Harrow, London, UK - 23 May 2016, Exeter, England, UK) of the Department of Mineralogy, The Natural History Museum, London, England.
Related to mereheadite.

Krivovichev et al. (2009) mention a possible carbonate analogue of symesite.



Unique IdentifiersHide

Mindat ID:
11033
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:11033:0

Similar NamesHide

SymplesiteA valid IMA mineral species - grandfatheredFe32+(AsO4)2 · 8H2O

IMA Classification of SymesiteHide

IMA status:
Approved
IMA Formula:
Pb2+10S6+O4O7Cl4·H2O
Approval year:
1998
First published:
2000

Classification of SymesiteHide

Strunz-mindat (2026):
3.DC.60

3 : HALIDES
D : Oxyhalides, hydroxyhalides and related double halides
C : With Pb (As,Sb,Bi), without Cu

Mineral SymbolsHide

As of 2021 there are now IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols (abbreviations) for each mineral species, useful for tables and diagrams.

SymbolSourceReference for Standard
SyIMA–CNMNCWarr, L.N. (2021). IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols. Mineralogical Magazine, 85(3), 291-320. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43

Pronunciation of SymesiteHide

Pronunciation:
PlayRecorded byCountry
Jolyon RalphUnited Kingdom

Physical Properties of SymesiteHide

Lustre:
Adamantine, Vitreous
Transparency:
Translucent
Comment:
"adamantine" added, since Welch et al. (2000) indicate R.I. > 2
Colour:
Pink
Streak:
White
Hardness:
4 on Mohs scale
Cleavage:
Perfect
Density:
7.3(2) g/cm3 (Measured)    7.23 g/cm3 (Calculated)

Optical Data of SymesiteHide

Type:
Biaxial
RI values:
nα = 2.12 nγ = 2.16
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.040
Based on recorded range of RI values above.

Interference Colours:
The colours simulate birefringence patterns seen in thin section under crossed polars. They do not take into account mineral colouration or opacity.

Michel-Levy Bar The default colours simulate the birefringence range for a 30 µm thin-section thickness. Adjust the slider to simulate a different thickness.

Grain Simulation You can rotate the grain simulation to show how this range might look as you rotated a sample under crossed polars.

Surface Relief:
Moderate
Anisotropism:
weak anisotropy in crossed polars
Dispersion:
r < v
Reflectivity:
WavelengthR1 (%)R2 (%)imR1 (%)imR2 (%)
400nm17.20% 17.95% 5.07% 5.65%
420nm16.50% 17.40% 4.69% 5.28%
440nm15.90% 16.90% 4.40% 4.99%
460nm15.50% 16.50% 4.17% 4.77%
470nm15.20% 16.30% 4.07% 4.67%
480nm15.10% 16.10% 3.98% 4.58%
500nm14.90% 15.80% 3.83% 4.43%
520nm14.50% 15.50% 3.70% 4.30%
540nm14.30% 15.30% 3.61% 4.19%
546nm14.20% 15.30% 3.59% 4.17%
560nm14.10% 15.20% 3.53% 4.11%
580nm14.00% 15.00% 3.47% 4.05%
589nm13.90% 15.00% 3.44% 4.02%
600nm13.90% 14.90% 3.43% 3.99%
620nm13.80% 14.80% 3.39% 3.96%
640nm13.80% 14.80% 3.37% 3.93%
660nm13.70% 14.70% 3.34% 3.90%
680nm13.60% 14.65% 3.32% 3.88%
700nm13.60% 14.60% 3.30% 3.86%
0nm%%%%


Graph shows reflectance levels at different wavelengths (in nm). Peak reflectance is 17.95%.
R1 shown in black, R2 shown in red, imR1 shown in green, imR2 shown in blue
Colour in reflected light:
grey

Chemistry of SymesiteHide

Mindat Formula:
Pb10(SO4)O7Cl4 · H2O
Element Weights:
Element% weight
Pb84.922 %
O7.869 %
Cl5.812 %
S1.314 %
H0.083 %

Calculated from ideal end-member formula.
Elements listed:
Cl, H, O, Pb, S - search for minerals with similar chemistry

Crystallography of SymesiteHide

Crystal System:
Triclinic
Class (H-M):
1 - Pinacoidal
Space Group:
P1
Cell Parameters:
a = 8.821(6) Å, b = 10.776(6) Å, c = 13.134(7) Å
α = 68.96(4)°, β = 86.52(5)°, γ = 75.65(4)°
Ratio:
a:b:c = 0.819 : 1 : 1.219
Unit Cell V:
1128.4 ų
Z:
2
Morphology:
Aggregates of blocky crystals.
Comment:
Welch et al. (2000) use non-standard setting: space group B-1, with a = 19.727(2), b = 8.796(1), c = 13.631(2) Å, alpha = 82.21(1), beta = 78.08(1), gamma = 100.04(1)°, V = 2242.4(5) Å3, Z = 4. P > B transformation matrix is [0-1-1|100|01-1]

Crystal StructureHide

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IDSpeciesReferenceLinkYearLocalityPressure (GPa)Temp (K)
0002592SymesiteWelch M D, Cooper M A, Hawthorne F C, Criddle A J (2000) Symesite, Pb10(SO4)O7Cl4(H2O), a new PbO-related sheet mineral: Description and crystal structure American Mineralogist 85 1526-153320000293
CIF Raw Data - click here to close

X-Ray Powder DiffractionHide

Powder Diffraction Data:
d-spacingIntensity
2.911 Å(100)
3.286 Å(90)
2.955 Å(90)
2.793 Å(80)
6.573 Å(40)
3.768 Å(40)

Geological EnvironmentHide

Paragenetic Mode(s):
Paragenetic ModeEarliest Age (Ga)
Stage 7: Great Oxidation Event<2.4
47a : [Near-surface hydration of prior minerals]
47b : [Sulfates and sulfites]
47g : [Halogen-bearing surface weathering minerals]

Type Occurrence of SymesiteHide

Type Locality:
ⓘ Torr Works Quarry, Cranmore, Mendip, Somerset, England, UK
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
Natural History Museum, London (Specimen # BM1998,37).
Geological Setting of Type Material:
Oxidised zone of Mn-Pb-Cu deposit.

Synonyms of SymesiteHide

Other Language Names for SymesiteHide

Dutch:Symesiet
German:Symesit
Spanish:Symesita

Relationship of Symesite to other SpeciesHide

Member of:
Nadorite Group
Other Members of Nadorite Group:
NadoritePbSbClO2Orth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) : Cmcm
PeritePbBiClO2Orth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) : Cmcm

Common AssociatesHide

Associations Based on Photo Data:
3 photos of Symesite associated with HydrocerussitePb3(CO3)2(OH)2
3 photos of Symesite associated with MereheaditePb47Cl25(OH)13O24(CO3)(BO3)2
2 photos of Symesite associated with RickturneritePb7O4[Mg(OH)4](OH)Cl3
1 photo of Symesite associated with SomersetitePb8O2(OH)2(CO3)5
1 photo of Symesite associated with PlumbonacritePb5O(OH)2(CO3)3
1 photo of Symesite associated with CerussitePbCO3
1 photo of Symesite associated with ChloroxiphitePb3CuO2Cl2(OH)2
1 photo of Symesite associated with ParalaurionitePbCl(OH)

Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat GroupingHide

3.DC.GajardoiteKCa0.5As3+4O6Cl2 · 5H2OHex. 6/mmm(6/m2/m2/m) : P6/mmm
3.DC.Lucabindiite(K,NH4)As4O6(Cl,Br)Hex. 6/mmm(6/m2/m2/m) : P6/mmm
3.DC.Cuatrocapaite-(NH4)(NH4)3(NaMg◻)(As2O3)6Cl6 · 16H2OTrig. 3m(32/m) : R3m
3.DC.Cuatrocapaite-(K)K3(NaMg◻)(As2O3)6Cl6 · 16H2OTrig. 3m(32/m) : R3m
3.DC.NapoliitePb2OFClTet. 4/mmm(4/m2/m2/m) : P42/mcm
3.DC.TorrecillasiteNa(As,Sb)3+4O6ClOrth.
3.DC.05ParalaurionitePbCl(OH)Mon. 2/m : B2/m
3.DC.05LaurionitePbCl(OH)Orth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m)
3.DC.05Mauriziodiniite(NH4)(As2O3)2IHex. 6/mmm(6/m2/m2/m) : P6/mmm
3.DC.05Russoite(NH4)ClAs2O3(H2O)0.5Hex. 622 : P622
3.DC.10FiedleritePb3FCl4(OH) · H2OMon. 2/m
3.DC.15PenfielditePb2Cl3(OH)Hex. 6 : P6
3.DC.15TelluroperitePb3TeO4Cl2Orth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m)
3.DC.20LaurelitePb7F12Cl2Hex. 6 : P6
3.DC.25ZhangpeishaniteBaFClTet. 4/mmm(4/m2/m2/m) : P4/nmm
3.DC.25MatlockitePbFClTet. 4/mmm(4/m2/m2/m) : P4/nmm
3.DC.25Zavaritskite(BiO)FTet. 4/mmm(4/m2/m2/m) : P4/nmm
3.DC.25RorisiteCaFClTet. 4/mmm(4/m2/m2/m) : P4/nmm
3.DC.25BismocliteBiOClTet. 4/mmm(4/m2/m2/m) : P4/nmm
3.DC.25VegrandisiteBaCl2Orth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) : Pnma
3.DC.30NadoritePbSbClO2Orth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) : Cmcm
3.DC.30PeritePbBiClO2Orth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) : Cmcm
3.DC.40ThorikositePb3Cl2(OH)(SbO3,AsO3)Tet. 4/mmm(4/m2/m2/m) : I4/mmm
3.DC.45MereheaditePb47Cl25(OH)13O24(CO3)(BO3)2Mon. m
3.DC.50BlixitePb8O5(OH)2Cl4Orth.
3.DC.52RumseyitePb2OClF Tet. 4/mmm(4/m2/m2/m) : I4/mmm
3.DC.55Vladkrivovichevite[Pb32O18][Pb4Mn2O]Cl14(BO3)8 · 2H2O Orth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) : Pmmn
3.DC.55PinalitePb3WO5Cl2Orth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m)
3.DC.57YeomanitePb2O(OH)ClOrth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) : Pnma
3.DC.60'Lorettoite'Pb7O6Cl2Orth.
3.DC.62'Sarawakite (of Frenzel)'Sb, O, Cl (?)
3.DC.65EcdemitePb6As3+2O7Cl4Mon. 2 : P21
3.DC.70MendipitePb3Cl2O2Orth. 222 : P212121
3.DC.75DamaraitePb3Cl(OH)O2Orth. mm2 : Pmc21
3.DC.80OnoratoiteSb8Cl2O11Tric. 1 : P1
3.DC.95BarstowitePb4Cl6(CO3) · H2OMon. 2/m : P21/m

Other InformationHide

Health Risks:
No information on health risks for this material has been entered into the database. You should always treat mineral specimens with care.

Internet Links for SymesiteHide

References for SymesiteHide

Localities for SymesiteHide

Showing 2 localities.

This map shows a selection of localities that have latitude and longitude coordinates recorded. Click on the symbol to view information about a locality. The symbol next to localities in the list can be used to jump to that position on the map.
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Locality ListHide

- This locality has map coordinates listed. - This locality has estimated coordinates. ⓘ - Click for references and further information on this occurrence. ? - Indicates mineral may be doubtful at this locality. - Good crystals or important locality for species. - World class for species or very significant. (TL) - Type Locality for a valid mineral species. (FRL) - First Recorded Locality for everything else (eg varieties). Struck out - Mineral was erroneously reported from this locality. Faded * - Never found at this locality but inferred to have existed at some point in the past (e.g. from pseudomorphs).

All localities listed without proper references should be considered as questionable.
Germany
 
  • North Rhine-Westphalia
    • Arnsberg
      • Hochsauerlandkreis
        • Brilon
Weiß (2000) +1 other reference
UK (TL)
 
  • England
    • Somerset
      • Mendip
        • Cranmore
Welch et al. (2000) +2 other references
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