Blixite

Chemical formula: Pb₂+₈O₅(OH)₂Cl₄

Blixite is a rare lead oxychloride, forming small, yellowish or colorless masses with a greasy luster, found in the Långban deposits in Sweden.

## Characteristics Blixite is a very rare mineral from the lead oxychloride group. It occurs as small, compact or granular aggregates, rarely forming poorly developed, tabular crystals up to 1 mm in size. It is usually colorless, white, grayish, or pale yellow. It is characterized by a greasy luster, and a slightly adamantine luster on fracture surfaces. ## Physical Properties This mineral is relatively soft, with a Mohs hardness of approximately 3. It is quite dense, which is typical for lead-bearing minerals. It exhibits perfect cleavage in one direction. It is transparent to translucent. ## Colors and Varieties Blixite has no known varieties. Its color ranges from colorless and white, through grayish, to pale yellow. This variability is likely associated with minor chemical impurities. ## History and Name The mineral was first described in 1960 by Olof Gabrielson and Alice M. Bladh. The name honors Ragnar Blix (1898-1982), a Swedish chemist and director of the Swedish Institute for Industrial Research, who was the first to synthesize this compound in the laboratory. ## Uses Due to its extreme rarity, blixite has no industrial applications. It is solely an object of interest for collectors specializing in rare minerals and scientists studying the mineralogy of the Långban deposits.

Properties

Mohs hardness: 3
Luster: Greasy, Adamantine
Streak: White to pale yellow
Density: 7.35
Cleavage: Perfect on {001}
Fracture: Uneven
Transparency: Transparent to translucent
Crystal system: Tetragonal

Diagnostic features

## Identification Blixite can be identified by its greasy luster, relatively high density, light color (white to yellowish), and occurrence as small, compact aggregates. A key diagnostic feature is its origin from the Långban mine in Sweden, as this is its only confirmed locality. ## Distinguishing from Similar Minerals It can be confused with other rare lead oxides or oxychlorides from Långban, such as mendipite, parkinsonite, or thorikosite. Distinguishing it from these minerals without advanced analytical methods (such as X-ray diffraction) is practically impossible. Its greasy luster and mode of occurrence can be helpful clues. ## Crystal Forms Blixite crystals are extremely rare and poorly formed. They take the form of thin, hexagonal or pseudohexagonal tablets, reaching up to 1 mm. Most often, however, it forms compact, granular, or earthy aggregates.

Geological environment

## Genesis Blixite is a secondary mineral, formed as a result of the alteration (metamorphism) of manganese and iron ores. It forms in skarns, in calcite veins cutting through dolomites. Its formation is associated with hydrothermal activity within the deposit. ## Mineral Associations This mineral co-occurs with other rare minerals from the Långban deposit, such as hausmannite, magnetite, barite, calcite, native lead, finnemanite, nasonite, mimetite, and other lead oxychlorides. ## Localities The only known and confirmed locality for blixite in the world is the Långban mine in the Värmland region of Sweden. This is its type locality.

Rarity

Very rare

For collectors

## Quality Criteria The most valued by collectors are specimens with visible, even if small and imperfectly formed, blixite crystals. Association with other rare Långban minerals is also important. Due to the nature of the mineral, its size and "purity" are not key criteria – the mere presence of confirmed blixite on the rock matrix is what matters. ## Popular Localities The only source of collectible specimens is the historic Långban mine in Sweden. All specimens available on the market originate from this single locality.

Care and storage

## Cleaning Blixite specimens should be cleaned very carefully, using only a soft brush to remove dust. Water or any chemical agents should not be used, as the mineral may be sensitive to them. ## What to Avoid Avoid contact with water, acids, and other chemicals. The mineral is soft and brittle, so it must be protected from impacts, scratching, and vibrations. It should not be heated or exposed to sudden temperature changes. ## Storage Blixite should be stored under stable conditions, in a dry place, away from direct sunlight. It is best kept in a closed display box to protect it from dust and mechanical damage.

Sources

IMA Mineral List (CNMNC)