Penfieldite
A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered
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About Penfieldite
Samuel Lewis Penfield
Formula:
Pb2Cl3(OH)
Colour:
Colourless, white, yellowish or bluish tints
Lustre:
Adamantine, Greasy
Hardness:
3 - 4
Specific Gravity:
5.82 - 6.61
Crystal System:
Hexagonal
Name:
Named in honour of US mineralogist Samuel Lewis Penfield (Catskill, New York, January 16, 1856 - August 12, 1906, South Woodstock, Connecticut), Yale University.
Soluble in water, leaving a yellowish white lead oxychloride residue.
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
3146
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:3146:8
IMA Classification of Penfieldite
Approved, 'Grandfathered' (first described prior to 1959)
IMA Formula:
Pb2+2Cl3(OH)
First published:
1892
Type description reference:
Classification of Penfieldite
3.DC.15
3 : HALIDES
D : Oxyhalides, hydroxyhalides and related double halides
C : With Pb (As,Sb,Bi), without Cu
3 : HALIDES
D : Oxyhalides, hydroxyhalides and related double halides
C : With Pb (As,Sb,Bi), without Cu
10.4.1.1
10 : OXYHALIDES AND HYDROXYHALIDES
4 : A2(O,OH)Xq
10 : OXYHALIDES AND HYDROXYHALIDES
4 : A2(O,OH)Xq
8.8.9
8 : Halides - Fluorides, Chlorides, Bromides and Iodides; also Fluoborates and Fluosilicates
8 : Halides of Pb
8 : Halides - Fluorides, Chlorides, Bromides and Iodides; also Fluoborates and Fluosilicates
8 : Halides of Pb
Mineral Symbols
As of 2021 there are now IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols (abbreviations) for each mineral species, useful for tables and diagrams.
| Symbol | Source | Reference for Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Pfd | IMA–CNMNC | Warr, L.N. (2021). IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols. Mineralogical Magazine, 85(3), 291-320. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43 |
Pronunciation of Penfieldite
Pronunciation:
| Play | Recorded by | Country |
|---|---|---|
| Jolyon Ralph | United Kingdom |
Physical Properties of Penfieldite
Adamantine, Greasy
Transparency:
Transparent
Colour:
Colourless, white, yellowish or bluish tints
Streak:
White
Hardness:
3 - 4 on Mohs scale
Cleavage:
Distinct/Good
On {0001}.
On {0001}.
Density:
5.82 - 6.61 g/cm3 (Measured) 6.00 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Penfieldite
Type:
Uniaxial (+)
RI values:
nω = 2.13(1) nε = 2.21(1)
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.080
Based on recorded range of RI values above.
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. Each grain retains its interference colour (retardation) while its brightness falls to black at extinction and reaches a maximum between extinction positions.
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. Each grain retains its interference colour (retardation) while its brightness falls to black at extinction and reaches a maximum between extinction positions.
Surface Relief:
Very High (positive)
Relative to Canada balsam mounting medium (n ≈ 1.537).
Relative to Canada balsam mounting medium (n ≈ 1.537).
This shows the grain boundary and Becke line effect under plane-polarised
light, based on the contrast between this mineral's average refractive
index and the mounting medium. It does not take into account mineral
colouration.
In focus
Interference Figure:
This shows the idealized uniaxial interference figure - the conoscopic
(convergent-light, Bertrand-lens-in) view, for a grain cut with the optic axis
centred and vertical. The coloured rings are isochromatics, computed with the
same physics as the Michel-Lévy bar above; the dark cross is the isogyre.
For a genuinely uniaxial mineral viewed this way, that cross stays perfectly stationary if you rotate the stage - unlike a biaxial mineral, where it splits apart on rotation. That invariance is itself the standard diagnostic test for telling uniaxial and biaxial minerals apart at the microscope.
For a genuinely uniaxial mineral viewed this way, that cross stays perfectly stationary if you rotate the stage - unlike a biaxial mineral, where it splits apart on rotation. That invariance is itself the standard diagnostic test for telling uniaxial and biaxial minerals apart at the microscope.
Chemistry of Penfieldite
Mindat Formula:
Pb2Cl3(OH)
Element Weights:
Elements listed:
Crystallography of Penfieldite
Crystal System:
Hexagonal
Class (H-M):
6 - Trigonal Dipyramidal
Space Group:
P6
Cell Parameters:
a = 11.28 Å, c = 48.65 Å
Ratio:
a:c = 1 : 4.313
Unit Cell V:
5,360.83 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Morphology:
Crystals usually prismatic [0001] with {1010} or steeply pyramidal; also tabular {0001}. Crystals tiny and commonly grouped in parallel position.
Twinning:
1. Twin axis [2130] with (0001) as composition face. Twinned crystals having [0001] in common but turned 21°47' to each other. 2. Twin plane {4154} with the twinned crystals having c and c' almost at right angles.
Comment:
Strongly pronounced subcell: a = 11.393, c = 4.024 A (Merlino et al., 1995)
Crystallographic forms of Penfieldite
Crystal Atlas:
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Penfieldite no.1 - {100} - Goldschmidt (1913-1926)
3d models and HTML5 code kindly provided by
www.smorf.nl.
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Crystal Structure
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Data courtesy of the American Mineralogist Crystal Structure Database. Click on an AMCSD ID to view structure
| ID | Species | Reference | Link | Year | Locality | Pressure (GPa) | Temp (K) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0014517 | Penfieldite | Merlino S, Pasero M, Perchiazzi N, Gianfagna A (1995) X-ray and electron diffraction study of penfieldite: average structure and multiple cells Mineralogical Magazine 59 341-347 |  | 1995 | Etruscan iron slag, Baratti beach, Piombiono, Tuscany, Italy | 0 | 293 |
CIF Raw Data - click here to close
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Loading XRD data...
Data courtesy of RRUFF project at University of Arizona, used with permission.
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 3.73 Å | (FFF) |
| 3.14 Å | (FF) |
| 3.31 Å | (F) |
| 2.744 Å | (F) |
| 2.563 Å | (F) |
| 2.266 Å | (F) |
| 5.70 Å | (mF) |
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| Stage 7: Great Oxidation Event | <2.4 |
| 47a : [Near-surface hydration of prior minerals] | |
| 47g : [Halogen-bearing surface weathering minerals] | |
| Stage 10b: Anthropogenic minerals | <10 Ka |
| 55 : Anthropogenic mine minerals | |
| 56 : Slag and smelter minerals (see also #51 and #55) | |
| 57 : Other minerals formed by human processes |
Geological Setting:
oxidized hydrothermal lead deposit
Type Occurrence of Penfieldite
General Appearance of Type Material:
Hexagonal crystals to 5 mm in length. With basalt termination or tapering.
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
n.d.
Geological Setting of Type Material:
Seawater modified slag deposits
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
Other Language Names for Penfieldite
Common Associates
Associations Based on Photo Data:
| 17 photos of Penfieldite associated with Boleite | KPb26Ag9Cu24(OH)48Cl62 |
| 9 photos of Penfieldite associated with Pseudoboleite | Pb31Cu24Cl62(OH)48 |
| 7 photos of Penfieldite associated with Diaboleite | Pb2CuCl2(OH)4 |
| 4 photos of Penfieldite associated with Cotunnite | PbCl2 |
| 1 photo of Penfieldite associated with Phosgenite | Pb2CO3Cl2 |
| 1 photo of Penfieldite associated with 'Unnamed (Orthorhombic dimorph of Barstowite)' | Pb4CO3Cl6 · H2O |
| 1 photo of Penfieldite associated with Laurionite | PbCl(OH) |
| 1 photo of Penfieldite associated with Hydrocerussite | Pb3(CO3)2(OH)2 |
| 1 photo of Penfieldite associated with Cuprite | Cu2O |
| 1 photo of Penfieldite associated with Cumengeite | Pb21Cu20Cl42(OH)40 · 6H2O |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 3.DC. | Gajardoite | KCa0.5As3+4O6Cl2 · 5H2O |
| 3.DC. | Lucabindiite | (K,NH4)As4O6(Cl,Br) |
| 3.DC. | Cuatrocapaite-(NH4) | (NH4)3(NaMg◻)(As2O3)6Cl6 · 16H2O |
| 3.DC. | Cuatrocapaite-(K) | K3(NaMg◻)(As2O3)6Cl6 · 16H2O |
| 3.DC. | Napoliite | Pb2OFCl |
| 3.DC. | Torrecillasite | Na(As,Sb)3+4O6Cl |
| 3.DC.05 | Paralaurionite | PbCl(OH) |
| 3.DC.05 | Laurionite | PbCl(OH) |
| 3.DC.05 | Mauriziodiniite | (NH4)(As2O3)2I |
| 3.DC.05 | Russoite | (NH4)ClAs2O3(H2O)0.5 |
| 3.DC.10 | Fiedlerite | Pb3FCl4(OH) · H2O |
| 3.DC.15 | Telluroperite | Pb3TeO4Cl2 |
| 3.DC.20 | Laurelite | Pb7F12Cl2 |
| 3.DC.25 | Zhangpeishanite | BaFCl |
| 3.DC.25 | Matlockite | PbFCl |
| 3.DC.25 | Zavaritskite | (BiO)F |
| 3.DC.25 | Rorisite | CaFCl |
| 3.DC.25 | Bismoclite | BiOCl |
| 3.DC.25 | Vegrandisite | BaCl2 |
| 3.DC.30 | Nadorite | PbSbClO2 |
| 3.DC.30 | Perite | PbBiClO2 |
| 3.DC.40 | Thorikosite | Pb3Cl2(OH)(SbO3,AsO3) |
| 3.DC.45 | Mereheadite | Pb47Cl25(OH)13O24(CO3)(BO3)2 |
| 3.DC.50 | Blixite | Pb8O5(OH)2Cl4 |
| 3.DC.52 | Rumseyite | Pb2OClF |
| 3.DC.55 | Vladkrivovichevite | [Pb32O18][Pb4Mn2O]Cl14(BO3)8 · 2H2O |
| 3.DC.55 | Pinalite | Pb3WO5Cl2 |
| 3.DC.57 | Yeomanite | Pb2O(OH)Cl |
| 3.DC.60 | Symesite | Pb10(SO4)O7Cl4 · H2O |
| 3.DC.60 | 'Lorettoite' | Pb7O6Cl2 |
| 3.DC.62 | 'Sarawakite (of Frenzel)' | Sb, O, Cl (?) |
| 3.DC.65 | Ecdemite | Pb6As3+2O7Cl4 |
| 3.DC.70 | Mendipite | Pb3Cl2O2 |
| 3.DC.75 | Damaraite | Pb3Cl(OH)O2 |
| 3.DC.80 | Onoratoite | Sb8Cl2O11 |
| 3.DC.95 | Barstowite | Pb4Cl6(CO3) · H2O |
Other Information
Notes:
Soluble in dilute HNO3. Decomposed by water, rendering a yellow-white precipitate of lead oxychloride.
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 Penfieldite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-3146.html
Please feel free to link to this page.
Please feel free to link to this page.
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Mineral Dealers:
References for Penfieldite
Reference List:
Larsen, Esper S. (1921) The microscopic determination of the nonopaque minerals. Bulletin 679. US Geological Survey doi:10.3133/b679 p.118
Localities for Penfieldite
Showing 29 localities.
symbol to view information about a locality.
The Locality List
- 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).
All localities listed without proper references should be considered as questionable.
Afghanistan | |
| Merkel et al. (2013) |
Austria | |
| Kolitsch et al. (2013) |
Chile | |
| Palache et al. (1951) |
| Brugger et al. (2012) |
| Freundlich +1 other reference | |
Czech Republic | |
| C.Auer (2017) |
Greece | |
| Fritz Schreiber collection |
| Gelaude et al. (1996) | |
| Gelaude et al. (1996) |
| no description given yet] +1 other reference | |
| Herbert Smith et al. (1899) +6 other references |
| Rieck et al. (2018) |
| Gelaude et al. (1996) | |
| Gelaude et al. (1996) |
| Lacroix et al. (1908) +1 other reference | |
Italy | |
| Palombi et al. (2009) |
| Rivista Mineralogica Italiana (Avril/Juin) |
| www.comune.pisa.it (2000) |
| Franzini et al. (1992) +2 other references |
Poland | |
| Kucha (2021) |
| Kucha (2021) |
South Africa | |
| Barkov et al. (2001) |
Spain | |
| Dill et al. (2023) |
| Rewitzer et al. (2018) |
| Van den Berg et al. (2020) |
Tunisia | |
| Kutzke et al. (1997) |
UK | |
| BMS Newsletter 79 (http://britishmicromountsociety.homestead.com/Gannell-Smelter.html) |
USA | |
| Ream (1995) |
Vietnam | |
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Margarita Mine, Caracoles, Caracoles mining district, Sierra Gorda, Antofagasta Province, Antofagasta, Chile