How do I identify Mendipite?

Mendipite can be identified by its hardness of 2.5 - 3 on the Mohs scale, Colourless color. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.

What color is Mendipite?

Mendipite typically appears in Colourless, white, grey, often tinged yellow, blue, red; nearly colourless in transmitted light. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.

How hard is Mendipite?

Mendipite has a hardness of 2.5 - 3 on the Mohs scale. This makes it a soft mineral that can be scratched easily.

Mendipite

A variety of Minerals

What is Mendipite?

Mendipite is a rare mineral that was named in 1939 for the locality where it is found, the Mendip Hills in Somerset, England. It is an oxyhalide of lead with formula Pb3Cl2O2.

Mendipite Market Value Calculator

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

Mendipite Localities Map

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

Map preview

North ZoneCentral RidgeSouth Basin

Key Characteristics

Characteristics of Mendipite

Mendipite is found in columnar or fibrous aggregates, often radiated but more rarely straight long fibers, and in cleavable masses. The cleavage is perfect on {110} and fair on {100} and {010}. Fracture is conchoidal (shell-like) to uneven and the mineral is soft, with hardness only 2 ⁄2 to 3, a bit less than that of calcite. Because of the lead content the specific gravity is high, at 7.24, or 7 to 7.2, just a little less than that of mimetite, another lead mineral. Mendipite is soluble in dilute nitric acid, HNO3. It is not radioactive.

Quick Facts

Physical Properties

Color: Colourless, white, grey, often tinged yellow, blue, red; nearly colourless in transmitted light
Hardness (Mohs): 2.5 - 3
Density: 7.22 g/cm³
Streak: White