Elyite (Field of view 3 mm) Locality: Lautenthal smelter (slag locality), Lautenthal, Harz Mts, Lower Saxony, Germany — Photo: Leon Hupperichs · CC BY 3.0
Elyite
Elyite is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the sulfate class, with the chemical formula CuPb₄(SO₄)O₂(OH)₄·H₂O.
It crystallizes in the monoclinic crystal system (space group P2_1/c).
Key properties: Mohs hardness 2; specific gravity 6; Pale violet to white streak; Silky luster; optically biaxial.
IMA symbol Ely, IMA status: approved, named in 1971.
Rare in the oxidized zone of base metal sulfides; may be formed in dumps and common in slags.
It is found associated with Galena, langite, serpierite, cerussite, anglesite, litharge, minium.
The mineral was named to honor John H. Ely, nineteenth century frontiersman and promoter of an early mining company in Nevada, USA.