Artsmithite
Artsmithite is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the phosphate class, with the chemical formula Hg¹⁺₄Al(PO₄)₁.₇₄(OH)₁.₇₈.
It crystallizes in the monoclinic crystal system (space group C2/c).
Key properties: specific gravity 6.4; White to cream streak; Vitreous luster; optically biaxial.
IMA symbol Ash, IMA status: approved, named in 2002.
A weathering product filling fractures in a cinnabar and fluorapatite-bearing sandstone.
It is found associated with Quartz, goethite, dickite, cinnabar.
The mineral was named to honor Arthur Edward Smith (1935-2009) of Houston, Texas, petroleum geologist, mineral collector, micromounter and expert on the mineral localities of Texas and Arkansas.
Index entry. This entry combines official IMA/RRUFF species data with published physical-property data — a full written entry hasn’t been published yet.
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