Hydroplumboelsmoreite

Chemical formula: (Pb²⁺◻)(W⁶⁺₁.₃₃Fe³⁺₀.₆₇)O₆(H₂O)

Hydroplumboelsmoreite is a rare lead and tungsten oxide, distinguished by its red color and occurrence as small, spherical aggregates.

## Characteristics Hydroplumboelsmoreite is a hydrated lead, tungsten, and iron oxide belonging to the elsmoreite group. It typically forms very small, spherical or spherulitic aggregates, as well as crusts and coatings. Individual crystals, visible only under high magnification, are octahedral. Due to the small size of the crystals, its macroscopic features are often difficult to observe without appropriate equipment. ## Physical Properties This mineral is characterized by a hardness ranging from 4.5-5 on the Mohs scale. It is relatively dense, with a specific gravity of approximately 6.04 g/cm³. It is translucent, and its luster is described as resinous to adamantine. ## Colors and Varieties The most common color of hydroplumboelsmoreite is red to reddish-brown. It also occurs in yellow hues, and occasionally it can be colorless. No named varieties have been distinguished. ## History and Name The mineral's name refers to its chemical composition - "hydro" from the presence of water in its structure, "plumbo" from the Latin word *plumbum* meaning lead, and its association with the mineral elsmoreite. It was described as a new mineral in 2011 based on material from the Yanhe mine in China. ## Uses Due to its rarity and occurrence in small aggregates, hydroplumboelsmoreite has no industrial applications. It is solely an object of interest for collectors specializing in rare minerals or secondary minerals from oxidation zones.

Properties

Mohs hardness
4.5-5
Luster
Resinous to adamantine
Streak
white (and/or yellow?)
Density
6.04
Transparency
Translucent
Crystal system
Isometric

Diagnostic features

## Identification Hydroplumboelsmoreite is identified by its characteristic appearance - small, spherical aggregates of red or yellow color. Key to its identification is its environment of occurrence (oxidation zone of tungsten deposits) and its co-occurrence with other lead and tungsten minerals. Final confirmation requires advanced analytical methods, such as chemical composition analysis (EDS) or X-ray diffraction (XRD). ## Distinguishing from Similar Minerals It can be confused with other secondary minerals of similar color and form of occurrence, such as mimetite, wulfenite, or raspite. Distinguishing it from these minerals with the naked eye is practically impossible and requires chemical analysis to confirm the presence of tungsten as a main component. ## Crystal Forms Crystals are microscopic and take the form of octahedra. Macroscopically, the mineral forms spherical aggregates (spherulites), radial aggregates, and thin crusts on other minerals.

Geological environment

## Genesis It is a secondary mineral, formed in the oxidation zones of hydrothermal ore deposits rich in tungsten and lead. It forms as a result of weathering and alteration of primary minerals containing these elements, such as scheelite, wolframite, and galena. ## Mineral Associations It often co-occurs with minerals typical of oxidation zones, such as cerussite, anglesite, scheelite, ferberite, quartz, and other rare oxides from the elsmoreite group. ## Localities The most important and type locality (*località typica*) is the Yanhe mine in Jizhou, Tianjin Province, China. This is currently the only confirmed and well-documented locality for this mineral in the world.

Rarity

Very rare

For collectors

## Quality Criteria The collector appeal of a specimen depends on the intensity and uniformity of its red color, the size and definition of the spherulitic aggregates, and their aesthetic arrangement on the host rock (matrix). Specimens where hydroplumboelsmoreite forms rich crusts of vibrant color are most highly valued. Contrast with clear quartz or other matrix minerals also enhances visual appeal. ## Popular Localities The only source of collector specimens is its type locality - the Yanhe mine in China. All specimens available on the collector market originate from this single location.

Care and storage

## Cleaning Specimens should be cleaned very carefully, using a soft brush to remove dust. Due to its occurrence as delicate crusts, mechanical and ultrasonic cleaning should be avoided. If liquid is necessary, distilled water is recommended, applied with great caution. ## What to Avoid Avoid contact with acids and other chemicals that can damage the mineral. Specimens should not be heated, as this can lead to the loss of water from the crystal structure and a permanent alteration of the mineral. Protect from strong sunlight, which theoretically may affect its color. ## Storage Hydroplumboelsmoreite specimens, being rare and often microscopic, are best stored in specialized "micromount" boxes, which protect them from mechanical damage and dust. Avoid storing in areas with high humidity or subject to rapid temperature changes.

External references

Sources

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