Philolithite
Philolithite is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the sulfate class, with the chemical formula Pb₁₂O₆Mn₇(SO₄)(CO₃)₄Cl₄(OH)₁₂.
It crystallizes in the tetragonal crystal system (space group P4_2/nnm).
Key properties: Mohs hardness 3–4; specific gravity 5.91; White streak; Adamantine luster; optically biaxial.
IMA symbol Phi, IMA status: approved, named in 1996.
Very rare in a metamorphosed Fe–Mn orebody.
It is found associated with Lead, copper, mendipite, braunite, hausmannite, pyrochroite, manganoan phlogopite, allactite, calcite.
Its name comes from the Greek for loving and stone, in honor of the Friends of Mineralogy organization.
Index entry. This entry combines official IMA/RRUFF species data with published physical-property data — a full written entry hasn’t been published yet.
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