Mimetite, Arizona

Description:

Lustrous red Mimetite crystals illuminate one side of this piece, while equally lustrous yellow-orange Mimetite crystals engulf the reverse side. Making this specimen a 36o degree example of fine Mimetite formation.

Name:

Mimetite was named in 1835 by François Sulpice Beudant from the Greek μϊμητής for "imitator," in allusion to its resemblance to pyromorphite.

Properties:

Mimetite is a secondary mineral found in the oxidized zones of lead deposits, with the formula Pb5(AsO4)3Cl. Usually found as small hexagonal prisms, often plain but may be modified, sprinkled on the matrix thinly to thickly. Its colour is quite variable, ranging from pale yellow to yellowish-brown to orange-yellow to orange-red, brownish, greenish, white and colorless.