Geographic Minerals

Artroeite: Properties and Occurrence

Artroeite: Properties and Occurrence

Artroeite, formula – [PbAlF3(OH)2] is a mineral found in Arizona. It is named for the late American chemist Arthur Roe (1912–1993).

The structure was solved by direct methods and refined to R = 0.022 using X-ray diffractometer data (1096 independent reflections). In the structure, edge-sharing dimers of AlF3(OH)3 octahedra link together by bonds to Pb atoms to form approximately close-packed layers parallel to (101̄). The layers are linked to one another by one Pb-F bond and two H bonds per formula unit. It is not radioactive.

General Information

  • Category: Halide
  • Formula: [PbAlF3(OH)2]
  • Crystal system: Triclinic
  • Crystal class: Pinacoidal.

Physical Properties of Artroeite

  • Cleavage: Perfect, {010} Good
  • Color: Colorless.
  • Density: 5.36 – 5.42, Average = 5.39
  • Diaphaneity: Transparent
  • Fracture: Brittle – Generally displayed by glasses and most non-metallic minerals.
  • Habit: Bladed – Aggregates of thin lath-like crystals (e.g. kyanite).
  • Hardness: 2.5 – Finger Nail
  • Luster: Vitreous (Glassy)
  • Streak:
  • Tenacity: Brittle

Occurrence

It occurs as colorless bladed crystals associated with quartz, fluorite, galena, anglesite, and an as yet undescribed mineral of composition PbCa2Al(F, OH)9. Artroeite has a Mohs hardness of about 2.5, a measured density of 5.36(2) g/cm3, and a calculated density of 5.47 g/cm3. It exhibits a perfect {100} cleavage and a good {010} cleavage.

Type Locality

Grand Reef Mine (Aravaipa Mine; Lead Jewel; Joe Rubal Mine; Vivian Mine; Calistoga Mining & Development Co. Mine; Bringham Silver and Lead Mine), Laurel Canyon, Grand Reef Mountain, Klondyke, Santa Teresa Mts, Aravaipa District, Graham Co., Arizona, USA.