How do I identify Bartelkeite?

Bartelkeite can be identified by its hardness of 4 on the Mohs scale, Colourless color. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.

What color is Bartelkeite?

Bartelkeite typically appears in Colourless, white to very pale greenish. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.

How hard is Bartelkeite?

Bartelkeite has a hardness of 4 on the Mohs scale. This gives it moderate hardness.

Bartelkeite

A variety of Minerals

What is Bartelkeite?

Bartelkeite is an exceptionally rare mineral, one of scarce natural germanium compounds. The formula was originally assumed to be PbFeGe3O8, bartelkeite was later shown to be isostructural with a high-pressure form of the mineral lawsonite. Thus, its correct formula is PbFeGe(Ge2O7)(OH)2•H2O. Bartelkeite and mathewrogersite are minerals with essential (dominant) lead, iron and germanium. Both come from Tsumeb, Namibia - a world's "capital" of germanium minerals.

Bartelkeite Market Value Calculator

Estimate the market value of Bartelkeite using size, quality, and finish. This preview calculator is for quick context and is not a formal appraisal.

Bartelkeite Localities Map

See where Bartelkeite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.

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North ZoneCentral RidgeSouth Basin

Key Characteristics

Formation of Bartelkeite

Bartelkeite was detected in voids of germanium ore occurring within dolomites. The mineral associates with galena, germanite, reniérite, and tennantite.

Composition of Bartelkeite

Bartelkeite is the first analyzed mineral containing both tetrahedrally- and octahedrally-coordinated germanium. It is isostructural with high-pressure form of the silicate lawsonite. In the structure there are: chains of FeO6 and GeO6 octahedra, that share edges Ge2O7 dimers that cross-link the chains Pb atoms and water molecules in large cavities of the framework