Chloroxiphite , Diaboleite , Mendipite Locality: Higher Pitts Mine, Priddy , Somerset , England , UK ( Locality at mindat.org ) Size: 4.7 x 2.8 x 1.9 cm. This is an important species and locality specimen, featuring a 1.5 cm crystal of Chloroxiphite in Mendipite, with minor blue Diaboleite in association. Its worth something for the Mendipite alone! The chloroxiphite is particularly displayable as well as large. From the miniature rarities suite of Lawrence Conklin, who exchanged it from the American Museum of Natural History. Year of Discovery: 1923 at this, the type locality. — Photo: Robert M. Lavinsky · CC BY-SA 3.0
Chloroxiphite
A rare olive-green lead-copper oxychloride discovered in 1923 in England's Mendip Hills with mendipite.
Intro adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA).
Chloroxiphite is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the halide class, with the chemical formula Pb₃CuO₂Cl₂(OH)₂.
It crystallizes in the monoclinic crystal system (space group P2_1/m).
Key properties: Mohs hardness 2.5; specific gravity 6.76–6.93; Pale yellowish green streak; Resinous to adamantine luster; optically biaxial.
IMA symbol Cxp, grandfathered status — known before the IMA’s founding, named in 1923.
A secondary mineral in association with lead- and copper-bearing pods in Mn–Fe deposits developed along fissures in dolomitic conglomerate and limestone.
It is found associated with Mendipite, diabolite, parkinsonite, wulfenite, cerussite, hydrocerussite.
Its name comes from the Greek for green and blade or straight sword, for the typical crystal habit.