Plimerite with libethenite Field of view: 5 mm Locality: Block 14 opencut, Broken Hill, New South Wales, Australia ( locality at mindat.org ) — Photo: Henk Smeets – tomeikminerals.com · CC BY 4.0
Plimerite
Plimerite is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the phosphate class, with the chemical formula Zn₂Fe³⁺₃(PO₄)₃(OH)₄(H₂O).
It crystallizes in the orthorhombic crystal system (space group Bbmm). It is a member of the Rockbridgeite structural group.
Key properties: Mohs hardness 3.5–4; specific gravity 3.67; Pale grayish-green streak; Vitreous luster; optically biaxial.
IMA symbol Pme, IMA status: approved, named in 2008.
Found as a secondary mineral in the weathering zone in seams and cavities of a quartz-garnet- goethite-rich rock.
It is found associated with Hinsdalite-plumbogummite, calcian pyromorphite, libethenite, brochantite, malachite, tsumebite, strengite (Broken Hill); scholzite, parahopeite.
The mineral was named to honor Ian Plimer, Professor of Mining Geology, the University of Adelaide and Emeritus Professor of Earth Sciences, University of Melbourne.