Chemical Formula: PbCu(AsO4)(OH)
Locality: Tsumeb, Namibia.
Name Origin: Named in 1920 for G. Duft, general manager of the mine at Tsumeb, Namibia.
Duftite is a relatively common arsenate mineral with the formula PbCu(AsO4)(OH), related to conichalcite. It is green and often forms botryoidal aggregates. It is a member of the Adelite-Descloizite Group, Conichalcite-Duftite Series. Duftite and conichalcite specimens from Tsumeb are commonly zoned in colour and composition. Microprobe analyses and X-ray powder-diffraction studies indicate extensive substitution of Zn for Cu, and Ca for Pb in the duftite structure.
This indicates a solid solution among conichalcite, CaCu(AsO4 )(OH), austinite, CaZn(AsO4)(OH) and duftite PbCu(AsO4)(OH), all of them belonging to the adelite group of arsenates. It was named after Mining Councilor G Duft, Director of the Otavi Mine and Railroad Company, Tsumeb, Namibia. The type locality is the Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region, Namibia.
Physical Properties
Color: Green, Olive green, Grayish green.
Density: 6.4
Diaphaneity: Translucent
Hardness: 3 – Calcite
Luster: Vitreous – Dull
Photos :
(OH) Locality: Tsumeb, Namibia. Name Origin: Named in 1920 for G. Duft, general manager of the mine at Tsumeb, Namibia.){kind=link}