Pseudocotunnite
A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered - questionable
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About Pseudocotunnite
Formula:
K2PbCl4
Colour:
Colourless, white
Lustre:
Dull
Crystal System:
Orthorhombic
Name:
From the resemblance of the crystals to cotunnite.
Doubtful species, although the compound K2PbCl4 is known in synthetic form.
See also the related challacolloite.
See also the related challacolloite.
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
3303
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:3303:5
IMA Classification of Pseudocotunnite
Approved, 'Grandfathered' (first described prior to 1959), Questionable
IMA Formula:
K2PbCl4 (?)
Classification of Pseudocotunnite
3.AA.90
3 : HALIDES
A : Simple halides, without H2O
A : M:X = 1:1, 2:3, 3:5, etc.
3 : HALIDES
A : Simple halides, without H2O
A : M:X = 1:1, 2:3, 3:5, etc.
11.2.1.1
11 : HALIDE COMPLEXES
2 : AmBX4
11 : HALIDE COMPLEXES
2 : AmBX4
8.8.12
8 : Halides - Fluorides, Chlorides, Bromides and Iodides; also Fluoborates and Fluosilicates
8 : Halides of Pb
8 : Halides - Fluorides, Chlorides, Bromides and Iodides; also Fluoborates and Fluosilicates
8 : Halides of Pb
Mineral Symbols
As of 2021 there are now IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols (abbreviations) for each mineral species, useful for tables and diagrams.
| Symbol | Source | Reference for Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Pcot | IMA–CNMNC | Warr, L.N. (2021). IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols. Mineralogical Magazine, 85(3), 291-320. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43 |
Physical Properties of Pseudocotunnite
Dull
Colour:
Colourless, white
Optical Data of Pseudocotunnite
Type:
Biaxial
Dispersion:
relatively weak
Chemistry of Pseudocotunnite
Mindat Formula:
K2PbCl4
Element Weights:
Elements listed:
Crystallography of Pseudocotunnite
Crystal System:
Orthorhombic
Cell Parameters:
a = 9.82 Å, b = 11.8 Å, c = 5.77 Å
Ratio:
a:b:c = 0.832 : 1 : 0.489
Unit Cell V:
668.60 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Morphology:
Crystals flattened on {010} or {100}, with indistinct {hk0} and {0kl} faces; elongated [001] into needle-like or lath-like shapes. Verruciform aggregates and dendritic crusts.
Comment:
Probably orthorhombic (synthetic crystals have space group Pnma).
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| Stage 7: Great Oxidation Event | <2.4 |
| 45b : [Other oxidized fumarolic minerals] |
Type Occurrence of Pseudocotunnite
Geological Setting of Type Material:
Active volcanic fumaroles.
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
Synonyms of Pseudocotunnite
Other Language Names for Pseudocotunnite
Common Associates
Associations Based on Photo Data:
| 4 photos of Pseudocotunnite associated with Challacolloite | KPb2Cl5 |
| 3 photos of Pseudocotunnite associated with Bismuthinite | Bi2S3 |
| 3 photos of Pseudocotunnite associated with Cannizzarite | Pb48Bi56S132 |
| 2 photos of Pseudocotunnite associated with Cotunnite | PbCl2 |
| 1 photo of Pseudocotunnite associated with Halite | NaCl |
| 1 photo of Pseudocotunnite associated with Steropesite | Tl3BiCl6 |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 3.AA. | Brontesite | (NH4)3PbCl5 |
| 3.AA.05 | Marshite | CuI |
| 3.AA.05 | Nantokite | CuCl |
| 3.AA.05 | 'UM1999-11:I:CuS' | Cu(I,S) |
| 3.AA.05 | Miersite | (Ag,Cu)I |
| 3.AA.10 | Tocornalite | (Ag,Hg)I (?) |
| 3.AA.10 | Iodargyrite | AgI |
| 3.AA.15 | Bromargyrite | AgBr |
| 3.AA.15 | Chlorargyrite | AgCl |
| 3.AA.20 | Sylvite | KCl |
| 3.AA.20 | Halite | NaCl |
| 3.AA.20 | Villiaumite | NaF |
| 3.AA.20 | Carobbiite | KF |
| 3.AA.20 | Griceite | LiF |
| 3.AA.25 | 'UM1998-03-Cl:Tl' | TlCl |
| 3.AA.25 | Nataliyamalikite | TlI |
| 3.AA.25 | Lafossaite | Tl(Cl,Br) |
| 3.AA.25 | Salammoniac | NH4Cl |
| 3.AA.30 | Calomel | [Hg2]2+Cl2 |
| 3.AA.30 | Moschelite | [Hg2]2+I2 |
| 3.AA.30 | Kuzminite | [Hg2]2+(Br,Cl)2 |
| 3.AA.35 | Neighborite | NaMgF3 |
| 3.AA.35 | Parascandolaite | KMgF3 |
| 3.AA.40 | Javorieite | KFeCl3 |
| 3.AA.40 | Chlorocalcite | KCaCl3 |
| 3.AA.45 | Kolarite | PbTeCl2 |
| 3.AA.50 | Radhakrishnaite | PbTe3(Cl,S)2 |
| 3.AA.55 | Challacolloite | KPb2Cl5 |
| 3.AA.60 | Hephaistosite | TlPb2Cl5 |
Radioactivity
Other Information
Notes:
Totally soluble in warm water.
Health Risks:
No information on health risks for this material has been entered into the database. You should always treat mineral specimens with care.
Internet Links for Pseudocotunnite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-3303.html
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Please feel free to link to this page.
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References for Pseudocotunnite
Reference List:
Localities for Pseudocotunnite
Showing 3 localities.
symbol to view information about a locality.
The Locality List
- This locality has map coordinates listed.
- This locality has estimated coordinates.
ⓘ - Click for references and further information on this occurrence.
? - Indicates mineral may be doubtful at this locality.
- Good crystals or important locality for species.
- World class for species or very significant.
(TL) - Type Locality for a valid mineral species.
(FRL) - First Recorded Locality for everything else (eg varieties).
All localities listed without proper references should be considered as questionable.
Italy (TL) | |
| Russo +2 other references |
| Pelloux (1927) +1 other reference | |
| Campostrini et al. (2010) |
Quick NavTopAbout PseudocotunniteUnique IdentifiersIMA Classification Classification Mineral SymbolsPhysical Properties Optical Data Chemistry Crystallography Geological EnvironmentType Occurrence SynonymsOther LanguagesCommon AssociatesStrunz-MindatRadioactivityOther InformationInternet Links References Localities Locality List
La Fossa crater, Vulcano Island, Lipari, Eolie Islands, Metropolitan City of Messina, Sicily, Italy