Hinsdalite on pyromorphite Field of view: 5 mm Locality: South Mine, Kintore opencut, Broken Hill, New South Wales, Australia — Photo: Henk Smeets – tomeikminerals.com · CC BY 4.0
Hinsdalite
Hinsdalite is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the phosphate class, with the chemical formula PbAl₃(SO₄)(PO₄)(OH)₆.
It crystallizes in the hexagonal crystal system (space group R-3m). It is a member of the Alunite-beudantite structural group.
Key properties: Mohs hardness 4.5; specific gravity 3.65; Vitreous to greasy luster; optically uniaxial.
IMA symbol Hda, IMA status: approved, named in 1911.
A rare secondary mineral found in the oxidized zone of polymetallic sulfide deposits.
It is found associated with Barite, pyrite, galena, tetrahedrite, rhodochrosite (Golden Fleece mine, USA).
The name refers to Hinsdale County, Colorado, USA, source of the first specimens.