Bindheimite , Limonite Locality: Garfield District, Mineral County, Nevada , USA ( Locality at mindat.org ) Size: 7.2 x 4.4 x 2.9 cm. An old-time, specimen of layered, yellow bindheimite, brown limonite and quartz with an at-the-time-UNKNOWN green mineral in a vug on the front. Bindheimite is RARE from the famous Garfield District of Mineral County, Nevada, especially in such richness. Accompanying label identifies the green mineral as erinite. There is no such mineral as "erinite" (Erinite is a synonym of Chalcophyllite). It is now a discredited species name. Someone may find this of historic interest here on this old specimen! Ex. George Elling Collection. — Photo: Robert M. Lavinsky · CC BY-SA 3.0
Bindheimite
A lead-antimony oxide formed in the oxidized zones of lead deposits — a soft, earthy yellowish mineral.
Intro adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA).
Bindheimite is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the oxides & hydroxide class, with the chemical formula Pb₂Sb⁵⁺₂O₇.
It crystallizes in the cubic crystal system (space group Fd-3m). It is a member of the Pyrochlore structural group.
Key properties: Mohs hardness 4–4.5; specific gravity 4.6–8.4; White, yellowish white streak; Resinous, dull, earthy luster.
IMA symbol Bhe, IMA status: questionable, named in 1800.
Common in the oxidized portions of antimony-bearing lead deposits.
It is found associated with Galena, pyrite, chalcopyrite, tetrahedrite, jamesonite, bournonite, zinkenite, cerussite, plumbojarosite, argentojarosite, minium, massicot, quartz, barite.
The name refers to Johann Jacob Bindheim (1750–1825), German chemist who made the first chemical analysis of the mineral.