Schneebergite (Picture size: 1.7 mm) Locality: Am Roten Berg, Schneeberg, Erzgebirge, Saxony, Germany — Photo: Thomas Witzke · CC BY-SA 3.0 de
Schneebergite
Schneebergite is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the arsenate class, with the chemical formula BiCo₂(AsO₄)₂(OH)·H₂O.
It crystallizes in the monoclinic crystal system (space group C2/m). It is a member of the Natrochalcite structural group.
Key properties: Mohs hardness 4–4.5; specific gravity 5.28; Pale brown to nearly white streak; Adamantine luster; optically biaxial.
IMA symbol Snb, IMA status: approved, named in 1999.
Found in oxidized mining waste.
It is found associated with Nickelschneebergite, quartz, scorodite, barium-pharmacosiderite, ferrilotharmeyerite, preisingerite, waylandite.
Recognizes the 600-year mining activity of the Schneeberg region in Saxony, Germany, the locality that provided the first specimens of the species.