Chloroxiphite and Mendipite from Mendip Hills, UK – micromount as unique piece
This micromount specimen with Chloroxiphite and Mendipite crystals from the Mendip Hills in the United Kingdom shows an interesting combination of two rare lead halide minerals on a contrasting matrix. The light white to slightly pinkish areas are framed by darker zones, creating a very aesthetic overall appearance.
The crystals are mainly platy to radially arranged and form fine partly fibrous aggregates. Individual crystal faces are visible but rarely fully developed. Overall the crystalline nature is clearly recognizable and gives the specimen a lively structure.
Geology & Origin
Chloroxiphite and Mendipite are rare secondary lead halide minerals that form in the oxidation zone of lead rich deposits. They develop through the interaction of lead with halogen bearing solutions especially in chloride rich environments.
The Mendip Hills in England are a classic locality for such rare mineral formations. The historic lead and zinc deposits of this region are well known for a wide variety of unusual secondary minerals formed under specific geochemical conditions.