Cherokeeite

Chemical formula: [Pb<sup>2+</sup><sub>2</sub>Zn<sup>2+</sup>(OH)<sub>4</sub>](S<sup>6+</sup>O<sub>4</sub>)·H<sub>2</sub>O

Cherokeeite is a very rare, secondary zinc and lead sulfate mineral, forming microscopic, colorless crystals.

## Characteristics Cherokeeite is a hydrated lead and zinc hydroxyl sulfate. It occurs as extremely small, bladed or tabular crystals, which rarely exceed 100 micrometers in length. The crystals are colorless and transparent, often forming rosette-like or radial aggregates on the surface of the host rock. Due to its microscopic size, its visual features are only discernible under high magnification. ## Physical Properties Cherokeeite crystals exhibit a vitreous luster. Due to their small size and rarity, many physical properties, such as hardness, density, or fracture, have not been precisely measured. The density has been calculated based on the chemical formula and unit cell parameters and is 4.96 g/cm³. ## Colors and Varieties This mineral is colorless. No colored or commercial varieties are known. ## History and Name Cherokeeite was officially recognized by the International Mineralogical Association (IMA) in 2022. Its name comes from the Cherokee Mine in Cherokee County, Kansas (USA), which is its type locality. This mine was part of the historic Tri-State Mining District, known for lead and zinc extraction. ## Uses Cherokeeite has no industrial or commercial applications. Its significance is purely scientific and as a collector's item, as a very rare and recently discovered mineral species.

Properties

Luster
Vitreous
Streak
White
Density
4.96
Cleavage
Perfect on {010}
Transparency
Transparent
Crystal system
Monoclinic

Diagnostic features

## Identification Identification of cherokeeite is impossible without specialized equipment. It requires the use of a scanning electron microscope (SEM) to observe crystal morphology and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) or other analytical methods to confirm chemical composition. Visually, in field conditions or in a collection, it is impossible to distinguish from other microscopic secondary minerals. ## Distinguishing from Similar Minerals It can be confused with many other secondary lead and zinc sulfates and carbonates, such as cerussite, anglesite, or hydrozincite, which often form similar, fine coatings. Certain differentiation requires advanced laboratory analyses. ## Crystal Forms It forms elongated, bladed, or thin, tabular crystals. They usually occur as rosette-like, radial, or haphazardly arranged aggregates on the rock surface.

Geological environment

## Genesis Cherokeeite is a secondary mineral, forming in the oxidation zone of zinc and lead ore deposits. It forms as a result of weathering and alteration of primary sulfide minerals, such as sphalerite and galena, under low temperature and pressure conditions, in the presence of water. ## Mineral Associations At the type locality, it co-occurs with other secondary minerals, such as anglesite, cerussite, sphalerite, galena, as well as newly discovered minerals from the same locality: kansasite and downsite. ## Localities The only confirmed occurrence of cherokeeite in the world is the Cherokee Mine in Cherokee County, Kansas, USA.

Rarity

Extremely rare

For collectors

## Quality Criteria The quality of a cherokeeite specimen is assessed primarily based on the richness and aesthetics of the microcrystal aggregates visible under a microscope. The most valued specimens are those where crystals form distinct, well-formed, rosette-like clusters, contrasting with the matrix. Association with other rare minerals from this locality is also important. ## Popular Localities The only source of specimens is the type locality – the Cherokee Mine in Kansas, USA. Specimens from this location are highly sought after by collectors specializing in rare minerals and so-called "micromounts."

Care and storage

## Cleaning Due to the extreme fragility and microscopic size of the crystals, no mechanical or chemical cleaning is recommended. Specimens should be treated as inviolable. ## What to Avoid Avoid any contact with chemicals, water, and ultrasound. Vibrations, shocks, and temperature changes can damage or destroy delicate crystals. Do not expose the specimen to direct sunlight. ## Storage Cherokeeite specimens should be stored exclusively in stable, sealed containers (so-called "micromount boxes") to protect them from dust, moisture, and mechanical damage. It is best to store them in a dry place with a constant temperature.

Sources

Read more