Mineral Database (Saesneg yn unig)

Mineral Database (Saesneg yn unig)
Mineralogy of Wales

Lindackerite

Crystal System: Monoclinic
Formula: (Cu,Co)5(AsO4)2(AsO3OH)2.10H2O
Status of Occurrence: Unconfirmed Occurrence
Distribution: Rare
Chemical Composition: Hydrated copper cobalt arsenate hydroxide
Method(s) of Verification: Cwmavon Valley Copper Smelting Slags - XRD (NHM, London, 12010) this mineral is of close similarity to lindackerite, further analysis is required for full verification.
Geological Context:
  • Supergene : minerals on an artificial substrate
Introduction: lindackerite is an extremely rare secondary mineral known from only a small number of locations worldwide. It typically occurs in the oxidized zone of some arsenic-rich copper deposits, but also as an oxidation product of copper-rich slag.
Occurrence in Wales: some doubt remains over the identification of lindackerite from Wales. Plant (2003) records a mineral bearing a close similarity to lindackerite from copper slag in South Wales, on the basis of X-ray analysis. Further analysis is required to ascertain the true identity, but if verified as lindackerite, this would represent the first occurrence of this mineral within oxidized slag.
Key Localities:
  • Cwmavon Valley Copper Smelting Slags, Aberavon, South Wales: described by Plant (2003) as forming aggregates of radiating finely acicular crystals encrusting cavities within particularly copper-rich slag. The colour shows zonation from apple-green to almost colourless. Lavendulan is the most commonly associated mineral.
References:
  • Plant, S., 2003 Secondary minerals from the Cwmavon Valley Copper Smelting Slags, Glamorgan, South Wales.  Journal of the Russell Society, 8(1), 9-15.