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Silicate

Surite

(Pb,Ca)₃Al₂(Si,Al)₄O₁₀(CO₃)₂(OH)₃·0.3H₂O
Hardness2–3
Crystal systemMonoclinic
ClassSilicate
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Surite specimen

White microcrystals of the rare mineral surite on nice cubes of galena. Surite has only been found in three localities worldwide. From: Cruz Del Sur Mine, Nueve de Julio Department, Río Negro, Argentina. — Photo: David Hospital · CC BY-SA 4.0

Surite

Surite is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the silicate class, with the chemical formula (Pb,Ca)₃Al₂(Si,Al)₄O₁₀(CO₃)₂(OH)₃·0.3H₂O.

It crystallizes in the monoclinic crystal system (space group P2_1).

Key properties: Mohs hardness 2–3; specific gravity 4; White streak; Vitreous luster.

IMA symbol Sur, IMA status: approved, named in 1977.

Occurs as fissure fillings in the oxidized zone of a Pb-Zn deposit.

It is found associated with Kaolinite, cerussite, quartz.

The name is taken from the type locality, the Cruz del Sur mine, Argentina.

Index entry. This entry combines official IMA/RRUFF species data with published physical-property data — a full written entry hasn’t been published yet. Browse more S minerals or help write this entry.