MOORHOUSEITE Meaning and
Definition
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Moorhouseite is a mineral that belongs to the oxysalt group. It is a rare mineral that was first discovered in the Broken Hill Region of Australia, specifically at the Broken Hill Mine in New South Wales, where it was initially described in 1994. The mineral was named after William Moorhouse, a mineralogist and collector from New Zealand.
Moorhouseite is classified as a secondary mineral, meaning it forms as a result of the alteration of pre-existing minerals. It typically occurs as small, dark green to black, prismatic crystals that form in cavities and fractures in lead-zinc ore deposits. The mineral has a vitreous to resinous luster, and its crystals are translucent to opaque.
In terms of its chemical composition, moorhouseite is a complex oxysalt mineral, primarily composed of lead, chlorine, oxygen, and sulfur. Its chemical formula is Pb12O8Cl6(SO4). It crystallizes in the triclinic crystal system.
Due to its rarity and limited distribution, moorhouseite is primarily of interest to mineral collectors, researchers, and enthusiasts. Its unique crystal structure and chemical composition contribute to its scientific value in understanding the geological processes and conditions under which it forms. The mineral is often sought after for specimen collecting, but it does not have any significant industrial applications.
