How do I identify Peretaite?

Peretaite can be identified by its hardness of 3.5 - 4 on the Mohs scale, Colourless color. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.

What color is Peretaite?

Peretaite typically appears in Colourless. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.

How hard is Peretaite?

Peretaite has a hardness of 3.5 - 4 on the Mohs scale. This gives it moderate hardness.

Peretaite

A variety of Minerals

What is Peretaite?

Peretaite is a sulfate of antimony and calcium. The mineral, Ca(SbO)4(SO4)2(OH)2 (2(H2O)), was named Peretaite for its locality. It was first discovered in an antimony-bearing vein at Pereta, Tuscany, Italy.

Peretaite Market Value Calculator

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

Peretaite Localities Map

See where Peretaite 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

Characteristics of Peretaite

The mineral peretaite has transparent crystals that are colorless. It has a vitreous luster and perfect {100} cleavage. The density of peretaite was determined by a heavy-liquid method, crystals tend to float in a Clerici solution, which has a density of 4.0 g/cm, therefore the density is 3.8 g/cm.

Formation of Peretaite

Peretaite occurs in only small quantities, as aggregates of tabular crystals. The crystals are found in the geodes of a deeply silicified limestone. It also occurs in the cavities of columnar stibnite. Other associated minerals are stibnite, quartz, calcite, pyrite, valentinite, kermesite, sulfur, and gypsum. Peretaite can often be red from the inclusion of valentinite. The mineral was formed by the action of sulfuric acid on the stibnite; peretaite is closer to the boundary of the country rock limestone, which is the source of the calcium in peretaite.