Phoenicochroite , Iranite Locality: Unión Minera mine, Caracoles, Sierra Gorda District, Antofagasta Province, Antofagasta Region, Chile Original description: Fantastic Phoenicochroite micro xls (up to 1 mm in range), with tiny light brown tabular Iranite xls perched on top of the group. Fov 3x3 aprox: foto & collection A.Molina/M.Dini — Photo: Arturo Molina · CC BY 3.0
Iranite
A triclinic lead-copper chromate from Iran — the copper analogue of the zinc mineral hemihedrite.
Intro adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA).
Iranite is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the silicate class, with the chemical formula CuPb₁₀(CrO₄)₆(SiO₄)₂(OH)₂.
It crystallizes in the triclinic crystal system (space group P1). It is a member of the Iranite structural group.
Key properties: Mohs hardness 3; specific gravity 5.8; Saffron-yellow streak; Resinous luster; refractive index 2.364; optically biaxial.
IMA symbol Irn, IMA status: approved, named in 1963.
Found in the oxidized portions of lead-bearing hydrothermal veins.
It is found associated with Dioptase, fornacite, wulfenite, mimetite, cerussite, diaboleite.
The name refers to the country of first occurrence, Iran.