Nadorite

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Nadorite

Nadorite is a mineral that belongs to the oxide class of minerals. It is characterized by its lead antimonate chloride composition, with the chemical formula PbSbO₂Cl. Nadorite was first discovered in 1870 in the Nador n'Aït Lahsen mine in the province of Taza, Morocco, from which it derives its name. This mineral is of interest to mineralogists and collectors due to its rarity and distinctive crystal structure.

Properties

Nadorite crystallizes in the orthorhombic system, typically forming tabular and prismatic crystals. These crystals can exhibit a range of colors from yellow to brown, often with a resinous to adamantine luster. The mineral has a Mohs hardness of 3 to 3.5, indicating it is relatively soft and can be scratched by a copper coin. Its specific gravity ranges from 7.3 to 7.5, which is high due to the lead content, making it denser than many other minerals.

Occurrence

Nadorite is typically found in oxidized zones of lead-antimony deposits, where it occurs as a secondary mineral. It is often associated with other minerals such as stibnite, baryte, and various lead oxides. While the type locality in Morocco is the most famous site for nadorite, other notable occurrences have been found in Algeria, Australia, and Bolivia. The mineral's rarity and specific conditions required for its formation mean that significant deposits are uncommon.

Uses

Due to its rarity and the difficulty in extracting it in significant quantities, nadorite has no substantial commercial uses. It is primarily of interest to mineral collectors and researchers studying the geochemical processes that lead to its formation.

See Also

• Mineralogy
• Oxide minerals
• Lead
• Antimony