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Boleite

A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered
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About BoleiteHide

Formula:
KPb26Ag9Cu24(OH)48Cl62
Colour:
Deep prussian blue to indigo; bluish green in transmitted light
Lustre:
Vitreous, Pearly
Hardness:
3 - 3½
Specific Gravity:
5.054
Crystal System:
Isometric
Name:
For the type locality, Boleo, near Santa Rosalia, Baja California.
Closely related to pseudoboleite.




Unique IdentifiersHide

Mindat ID:
712
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:712:4

Similar NamesHide

BauliteA rock subtype
BeliteA synonym of Larnite
BelliteA variety of MimetitePb5(AsO4,CrO4,SiO4)3Cl
BelloiteA valid IMA mineral speciesCu(OH)Cl
BialiteA synonym of Wavellite
BlueiteA variety of Marcasite(Fe,Ni)S2
BoyleiteA valid IMA mineral speciesZnSO4 · 4H2O

IMA Classification of BoleiteHide

Approved, 'Grandfathered' (first described prior to 1959)
IMA Formula:
KAg1+9Pb2+26Cu2+24Cl62(OH)48
First published:
1891

Classification of BoleiteHide

3.DB.15

3 : HALIDES
D : Oxyhalides, hydroxyhalides and related double halides
B : With Pb, Cu, etc.
10.6.6.1

10 : OXYHALIDES AND HYDROXYHALIDES
6 : AmBn(O,OH)pXq
8.8.18

8 : Halides - Fluorides, Chlorides, Bromides and Iodides; also Fluoborates and Fluosilicates
8 : Halides of Pb

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

Pronunciation of BoleiteHide

Pronunciation:
PlayRecorded byCountry
Jolyon RalphUnited Kingdom

Physical Properties of BoleiteHide

Vitreous, Pearly
Transparency:
Translucent
Colour:
Deep prussian blue to indigo; bluish green in transmitted light
Streak:
Blue, with greenish tint
Hardness:
3 - 3½ on Mohs scale
Cleavage:
Perfect
on {001}; good on {101}; poor on {100}.
Density:
5.054 g/cm3 (Measured)    5.062 g/cm3 (Calculated)

Optical Data of BoleiteHide

Type:
Isotropic
RI values:
n = 2.05
Surface Relief:
Very High (positive)
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
Pleochroism:
Non-pleochroic

Chemistry of BoleiteHide

Mindat Formula:
KPb26Ag9Cu24(OH)48Cl62
Element Weights:
Element% weight
Pb49.258 %
Cl20.098 %
Cu13.945 %
Ag8.877 %
O7.022 %
H0.442 %
K0.358 %

Calculated from ideal end-member formula.

Crystallography of BoleiteHide

Crystal System:
Isometric
Class (H-M):
m3m(4/m32/m) - Hexoctahedral
Space Group:
Pm3m
Cell Parameters:
a = 15.29 Å
Unit Cell V:
3,574.56 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
1
Morphology:
Crystals cubic, to 2 cm, rarely modified by {111} and {011}.

Crystal StructureHide

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IDSpeciesReferenceLinkYearLocalityPressure (GPa)Temp (K)
0005684BoleiteCooper M A, Hawthorne F C (2000) Boleite: Resolution of the formula, KPb26Ag9Cu24Cl62(OH)48 The Canadian Mineralogist 38 801-80820000293
0019811BoleiteRouse R C (1973) The crystal structure of boleite - a mineral containing silver atom clusters Journal of Solid State Chemistry 6 86-9219730293
CIF Raw Data - click here to close

Epitaxial Relationships of BoleiteHide

Epitaxial Minerals:
'Cumengeite'Pb21Cu20Cl42(OH)40 · 6H2O
'Pseudoboleite'Pb31Cu24Cl62(OH)48
Epitaxy Comments:
commonly surficially layered with or overgrown by cumengite or pseudoboléite, mutually parallel to {001}.

X-Ray Powder DiffractionHide

Loading XRD data...
Data Set:
Data courtesy of RRUFF project at University of Arizona, used with permission.
Powder Diffraction Data:
d-spacingIntensity
4.415 Å(100)
3.821 Å(80)
3.505 Å(35)
2.702 Å(60)
2.547 Å(40)
2.330 Å(35)
1.990 Å(35)
Comments:
Recorded on a sample from Boleo, Mexico (ICDD 27-1206). The pattern may be totally obscured by the pattern of intergrown pseudoboléite.

Geological EnvironmentHide

Paragenetic Mode(s):
Paragenetic ModeEarliest 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
56 : Slag and smelter minerals (see also #51 and #55)
Geological Setting:
In the oxidized zone of Pb-Cu deposits; in smelter slags immersed in and leached by sea water

Type Occurrence of BoleiteHide

Place of Conservation of Type Material:
National School of Mines, Paris, France
Geological Setting of Type Material:
In the oxidized zone of a Pb-Cu deposit, formed through reaction of chloride with primary sulphides
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:

Synonyms of BoleiteHide

Other Language Names for BoleiteHide

Catalan:Boleïta
Dutch:Boleiet
French:Boléite
Russian:Болеит
Simplified Chinese:银铜氯铅矿
Traditional Chinese:銀銅氯鉛礦

Common AssociatesHide

Associations Based on Photo Data:
70 photos of Boleite associated with PseudoboleitePb31Cu24Cl62(OH)48
50 photos of Boleite associated with GypsumCaSO4 · 2H2O
42 photos of Boleite associated with CumengeitePb21Cu20Cl42(OH)40 · 6H2O
41 photos of Boleite associated with AnglesitePbSO4
37 photos of Boleite associated with LeadhillitePb4(CO3)2(SO4)(OH)2
33 photos of Boleite associated with CerussitePbCO3
32 photos of Boleite associated with ParatacamiteCu3(Cu,Zn)(OH)6Cl2
29 photos of Boleite associated with AtacamiteCu2(OH)3Cl
28 photos of Boleite associated with ChrysocollaCu2-xAlx(H2-xSi2O5)(OH)4 · nH2O, x < 1
17 photos of Boleite associated with PenfielditePb2Cl3(OH)

Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat GroupingHide

3.DB.RickturneritePb7O4[Mg(OH)4](OH)Cl3Orth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) : Pnma
3.DB.05DiaboleitePb2CuCl2(OH)4Tet. 4mm : P4mm
3.DB.10PseudoboleitePb31Cu24Cl62(OH)48Tet. 4/mmm(4/m2/m2/m) : I4/mmm
3.DB.20CumengeitePb21Cu20Cl42(OH)40 · 6H2OTet. 4/mmm(4/m2/m2/m) : I4/mmm
3.DB.25BideauxitePb2AgCl3(F,OH)2Iso. m3m(4/m32/m) : Fd3m
3.DB.30ChloroxiphitePb3CuO2Cl2(OH)2Mon. 2/m : P21/m
3.DB.35HematophanitePb4Fe3O8(OH,Cl)Tet. 4mm : P4mm
3.DB.40ParkinsonitePb7MoO9Cl2Tet.
3.DB.40JanchevitePb9V5+(O10.250.75)Cl2.5Tric. 1 : P1
3.DB.40AsisitePb7SiO9Cl2 Tet. 4/mmm(4/m2/m2/m) : I4/mmm
3.DB.45EddaviditeCu12Pb2O15Br2Iso. m3m(4/m32/m) : Fm3m
3.DB.45MurdochiteCu12Pb2O15Cl2Iso. m3m(4/m32/m) : Fm3m
3.DB.50YedlinitePb6Cr3+Cl6(O,OH,H2O)8Trig. 3 : R3
3.DB.55SiidraitePb2Cu(OH)2I3Orth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) : Fddd

RadioactivityHide

Radioactivity:
Element % Content Activity (Bq/kg) Radiation Type
Uranium (U) 0.0000% 0 α, β, γ
Thorium (Th) 0.0000% 0 α, β, γ
Potassium (K) 0.3575% 111 β, γ

For comparison:

  • Banana: ~15 Bq per fruit
  • Granite: 1,000–3,000 Bq/kg
  • EU exemption limit: 10,000 Bq/kg

Note: Risk is shown relative to daily recommended maximum exposure to non-background radiation of 1000 µSv/year. Note that natural background radiation averages around 2400 µSv/year so in reality these risks are probably extremely overstated! With infrequent handling and safe storage natural radioactive minerals do not usually pose much risk.

Interactive Simulator:

Note: The mass selector refers to the mass of radioactive mineral present, not the full specimen, also be aware that the matrix may also be radioactive, possibly more radioactive than this mineral!

Activity:

DistanceDose rateRisk
1 cm
10 cm
1 m

The external dose rate (D) from a radioactive mineral is estimated by summing the gamma radiation contributions from its Uranium, Thorium, and Potassium content, disregarding daughter-product which may have a significant effect in some cases (eg 'pitchblende'). This involves multiplying the activity (A, in Bq) of each element by its specific gamma ray constant (Γ), which accounts for its unique gamma emissions. The total unshielded dose at 1 cm is then scaled by the square of the distance (r, in cm) and multiplied by a shielding factor (μshield). This calculation provides a 'worst-case' or 'maximum risk' estimate because it assumes the sample is a point source and entirely neglects any self-shielding where radiation is absorbed within the mineral itself, meaning actual doses will typically be lower. The resulting dose rate (D) is expressed in microsieverts per hour (μSv/h).

D = ((AU × ΓU) + (ATh × ΓTh) + (AK × ΓK)) / r2 × μshield

Other InformationHide

Notes:
Inert in water. Soluble in HNO3.
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 BoleiteHide

References for BoleiteHide

Reference List:

Localities for BoleiteHide

Showing 90 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.
Argentina
 
  • Santa Cruz Province
    • Magallanes Department
Páez et al. (2016)
Australia
 
  • New South Wales
    • Yancowinna Co.
      • Broken Hill district
        • Broken Hill
Palache et al. (1951)
Birch et al. (1997)
The Daydream Mine
Chile
 
  • Antofagasta
    • Antofagasta Province
      • Antofagasta
Anthony (1997)
Camus et al. (1991)
      • Sierra Gorda
        • Caracoles mining district
          • Caracoles
Brugger et al. (2012)
Mineralogical Society of America - ...
V. Sapienza collection
Paar et al. (1980)
Mr. Terry Szenics.
Collected by Arturo Molina and Maurizio ...
Mücke (1971)
M.Dini & A.Molina collection
- (M. Dini specimens) +1 other reference
      • Taltal
Vincent Bourgoin collection.
    • Tocopilla Province
      • María Elena
collected and analysed by french ...
  • Tarapacá
Mineralogical Society of America - ...
    • Iquique Province
      • Iquique
Anthony (1997)
      • Santa Rosa-Huantajaya mining district (Huantajaya mining district)
Palache et al. (1951)
SEM-EDS by Joy Desor
    • Tamarugal Province
Anthony (1997)
      • Pozo Almonte
Palache et al. (1951)
France
 
  • Brittany
    • Finistère
      • Châteaulin
        • Poullaouen
Germain C. et al. (1990)
  • Occitanie
    • Lozère
      • Florac
        • Vialas
Favreau (n.d.)
  • Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
    • Var
      • Toulon
        • Le Pradet
www.mine-capgaronne.fr (2003) +2 other references
Jean-Marie Claude collection
Favreau et al. (2024)
Germany
 
  • Hesse
    • Kassel Region
      • Hersfeld-Rotenburg
        • Nentershausen
          • Süß
            • Richelsdorf Smelter
Schnorrer-Köhler (1991)
  • Lower Saxony
    • Goslar District
      • Langelsheim
        • Astfeld
van den Berg et al. (1990)
  • Saxony-Anhalt
    • Mansfeld-Südharz
      • Mansfeld
Greece
 
  • Attica
    • East Attica
      • Lavreotiki
        • Charakas
Fritz Schreiber collection
ko.jansen
        • Elaiochori
          • Dipseliza mines
Rieck (n.d.)
        • Km 3
          • Kaminiza mines
        • Lavreotiki Municipal Unit
Ko Jansen +1 other reference
Gelaude et al. (1996)
Grolig et al. (1978) +1 other reference
        • Sounion
          • Cato Sounio mines
Rieck et al. (1999)
Gelaude et al. (1996)
        • Velatouri
Gelaude et al. (1996)
Gelaude et al. (1996)
Iran
 
  • Isfahan Province
    • Nain County
      • Anarak District
Italy
 
  • Sardinia
    • South Sardinia Province
      • Nuxis
Gian Claudio Lecca et al. (2025)
  • Tuscany
    • Livorno Province
      • Campiglia Marittima
Marco Bonifazi collection
www.comune.pisa.it (2000)
      • Piombino
Muenchener Micromounter-Lithothek
Mexico (TL)
 
  • Baja California Sur
    • Mulegé Municipality
      • Santa Rosalía
Mallard et al. (1891) +1 other reference
          • Arroyo de la Soledad
2009 New Mexico Mineral Symposium ... +2 other references
Panczner (1987)
          • Arroyo del Boleo
Panczner (1987)
  • Sonora
    • Arizpe Municipality
      • Arizpe
Panczner (1987)
Russia
 
  • Sakha
    • Verkhoyansk Fold Belt
      • Verkhoyansk Silver Province
        • Deputatsky ore cluster
Zhdanov Yu.Ya. (1998)
Spain
 
  • Andalusia
    • Almería
      • Níjar
        • Rodalquilar
          • Cerro de los Guardias
Calvo Rebollar (2006)
      • Pechina
        • Baños de Alhamilla
Rewitzer et al. (2020)
  • Murcia
    • Cartagena
Rewitzer et al. (2018)
Rewitzer et al. (2018)
Turkmenistan
 
  • Balkan Region
    • Cheleken Peninsula
Mineralogical Society of America - ...
UK
 
  • England
    • Cornwall
      • Crantock
BMS Newsletter 79 (http://britishmicromountsociety.homestead.com/Gannell-Smelter.html)
      • Falmouth
Golley et al. (1995) +1 other reference
      • Newquay
Anthony (1997)
      • Padstow
        • Gunver Head
Golley et al. (1995)
Schlomann et al. (1998)
      • Porthleven
George Eric Stanley Curtis discovery
G.Curtis collection.
      • St Minver
        • Rock
Anthony (1997)
    • County Durham
      • Healeyfield
Norman Wilson collection +1 other reference
  • Scotland
    • Dumfries and Galloway
      • Wanlockhead
Rust (2022)
USA
 
  • Arizona
    • Gila County
      • Globe Hills Mining District
        • Burch area
          • Radium
Bideaux et al. (1960) +1 other reference
    • Maricopa County
      • Belmont Mountains
Thorne (n.d.)
      • Osborn Mining District
        • Tonopah
          • Belmont Mountain
Giester et al. (1996)
      • Painted Rock Mountains
        • Painted Rock Mining District
          • Theba
Wilson et al. (1974) +1 other reference
    • Pinal County
      • Mammoth Mining District
        • Tiger
          • St. Anthony deposit
Fahey et al. (1950) +2 other references
Palache (1941) +3 other references
      • Vekol Mountains
        • Vekol Mining District
          • Kohatk
Anthony et al. (1995)
  • California
    • San Bernardino County
      • Silver Lake Mining District
        • Soda Mountains
          • Baker
Robert housley collection (ID by PXRD and SEM-EDS by Anthony Kampf at Los Angeles County Natural History Museum) +1 other reference
collected by and in the collection of ... +1 other reference
Joe Marty specimens +1 other reference
Rocks & Minerals 86:132-142
Marek Chorazewicz (2026)
          • Zzyzx
Collected by Brent Thorne and EDS ... +1 other reference
mineralsocal.org (2020)
Collected by and in the collection of ...
  • Montana
    • Granite County
Roberts et al. (1974)
        • Philipsburg
Thorne (n.d.) +1 other reference
  • Nevada
    • Esmeralda County
Rocks & Minerals. Nov. 1999.
      • Rock Hill Mining District
Castor et al. (2004)
  • Utah
    • East Tintic Mountains
      • Tintic Mining District
        • Mammoth
Thorne (n.d.)
Thorne (n.d.)
  • Washington
    • Pierce County
      • Tacoma
Washington Geology
 
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