PHILIPSBORNITE

    Class : Phosphates, arsenates, vanadates
    Subclass : Hydrated arsenates
    Crystal system : Trigonal
    Chemistry : PbAl3(AsO4)2(OH)5 H2O
    Rarity : Very rare

Philipsbornite is a rare arsenate present in the oxidation zone of polymetallic hydrothermal deposits. It was named in honor of Professor of Mineralogy Helmut von Philipsborn of the University of Bonn (Germany). Philipsbornite forms tiny pseudocubic rhombohedral crystals (less than 0.1 mm) and this mineral always appears in earthy crusts or in finely grained masses of gray to greenish gray color.

Main photo : Philipsbornite from Tsumeb, Namibia © Elmar Lackner

Philipsbornite from Marble Hall, South Africa © Robert Meyer
Philipsbornite & green duftite from Clara Mine, Germany © Michael Förch
Philipsbornite from Clara Mine, Germany © Stephan Wolfsried
Philipsbornite from Cap Garonne, Var, France © Joy Desor

Pharmacosiderite in the World

Philipsbornite is especially well represented in deposits in Australia, notably in Dundas (Tasmania) in association with crocoite, and in the Black Forest (Germany). It is also known in the Czech Ore Mountains (Erzgebirge), near Teplice, and in Tsumeb (Namibia).

Pharmacosiderite in France

In France, philipsbornite is known at Cap Garonne (Var), at Mas Dieu (Gard) as well as at Villapourçon and Larochemillay (Nièvre).

Twinning

No twin known for this mineral species.

Fakes and treatments

No fakes listed for this mineral species.


Hardness : 4.5
Density : 5.39
Fracture : Conchoidal
Streak : White

TP : Translucent to transparent
RI : 1,790
Birefringence : 0,001
Optical character : Uniaxial (+/-)
Pleochroism : None
Fluorescence : None

Solubility : -

Magnetism : NoneRadioactivity : None

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