Minium
A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered
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About Minium
Formula:
Pb3O4
Colour:
Red, brownish-red, yellowish tint at times; red in transmitted light.
Lustre:
Greasy, Dull
Hardness:
2½
Specific Gravity:
8.9 - 9.2
Crystal System:
Tetragonal
Member of:
Name:
A name originally given to cinnabar. The cinnabar was adulterated with red lead and, in time, the adulterant alone received the name.
The word βminiumβ (derived from the river Minius, now called Minho, in Iberia).
The word βminiumβ (derived from the river Minius, now called Minho, in Iberia).
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
2721
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:2721:8
GUID
(UUID V4):
(UUID V4):
06ec681d-1038-4841-9ce6-3668170121ee
IMA Classification of Minium
Approved, 'Grandfathered' (first described prior to 1959)
IMA Formula:
Pb2+2Pb4+O4
First published:
1806
Classification of Minium
4.BD.05
4 : OXIDES (Hydroxides, V[5,6] vanadates, arsenites, antimonites, bismuthites, sulfites, selenites, tellurites, iodates)
B : Metal: Oxygen = 3:4 and similar
D : With only large cations
4 : OXIDES (Hydroxides, V[5,6] vanadates, arsenites, antimonites, bismuthites, sulfites, selenites, tellurites, iodates)
B : Metal: Oxygen = 3:4 and similar
D : With only large cations
7.2.8.1
7 : MULTIPLE OXIDES
2 : AB2X4
7 : MULTIPLE OXIDES
2 : AB2X4
7.11.22
7 : Oxides and Hydroxides
11 : Oxides of Sn and Pb
7 : Oxides and Hydroxides
11 : Oxides of Sn and Pb
Mineral Symbols
As of 2021 there are now IMAβCNMNC approved mineral symbols (abbreviations) for each mineral species, useful for tables and diagrams.
Symbol | Source | Reference |
---|---|---|
Mnm | IMAβCNMNC | Warr, L.N. (2021). IMAβCNMNC approved mineral symbols. Mineralogical Magazine, 85(3), 291-320. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43 |
Physical Properties of Minium
Greasy, Dull
Transparency:
Translucent
Colour:
Red, brownish-red, yellowish tint at times; red in transmitted light.
Streak:
Orange-yellow
Hardness:
2½ on Mohs scale
Density:
8.9 - 9.2 g/cm3 (Measured) 8.92 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Minium
Type:
Uniaxial
RI values:
nω = 2.420 nε = 2.410
Max Birefringence:
δ = 0.010
Image shows birefringence interference colour range (at 30µm thickness)
and does not take into account mineral colouration.
and does not take into account mineral colouration.
Surface Relief:
Very High
Optical Extinction:
Extinction parallel, elongation negative
Pleochroism:
Strong
Comments:
X = deep reddish brown, Z = nearly colourless
Comments:
may be weakly birefringent with anomalous green interference colors.
Chemistry of Minium
Mindat Formula:
Pb3O4
Elements listed:
Crystallography of Minium
Crystal System:
Tetragonal
Class (H-M):
4/mmm (4/m 2/m 2/m) - Ditetragonal Dipyramidal
Space Group:
P42/mbc
Setting:
P42/mbc
Cell Parameters:
a = 8.811(5) Å, c = 6.563(3) Å
Ratio:
a:c = 1 : 0.745
Unit Cell V:
509.51 Γ
Β³ (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
4
Morphology:
Massive, earthy, powdery. Microscopic crystalline scales.
Comment:
On synthetic material.
Crystal Structure
Load
Unit Cell | Unit Cell Packed
2x2x2 | 3x3x3 | 4x4x4
Unit Cell | Unit Cell Packed
2x2x2 | 3x3x3 | 4x4x4
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Data courtesy of the American Mineralogist Crystal Structure Database. Click on an AMCSD ID to view structure
ID | Species | Reference | Link | Year | Locality | Pressure (GPa) | Temp (K) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
0013330 | Minium | Gavarri J R, Weigel D (1975) Oxydes de plomb. I. structure cristalline du minium Pb3O4, a temperature ambiante (293 K) Journal of Solid State Chemistry 13 252-257 | 1975 | synthetic | 0 | 293 | |
0013354 | Minium | Gavarri J R, Weigel D, Hewat A W (1978) Oxydes de plomb. IV. Evolution structurale de l'oxyde Pb3O4 entre 240 et 5 K et mecanisme de la transition Journal of Solid State Chemistry 23 327-339 | 1978 | synthetic | 0 | 293 | |
0013355 | Minium | Gavarri J R, Weigel D, Hewat A W (1978) Oxydes de plomb. IV. Evolution structurale de l'oxyde Pb3O4 entre 240 et 5 K et mecanisme de la transition Journal of Solid State Chemistry 23 327-339 | 1978 | synthetic | 0 | 293 | |
0013356 | Minium | Gavarri J R, Weigel D, Hewat A W (1978) Oxydes de plomb. IV. Evolution structurale de l'oxyde Pb3O4 entre 240 et 5 K et mecanisme de la transition Journal of Solid State Chemistry 23 327-339 | 1978 | synthetic | 0 | 293 | |
0013357 | Minium | Gavarri J R, Weigel D, Hewat A W (1978) Oxydes de plomb. IV. Evolution structurale de l'oxyde Pb3O4 entre 240 et 5 K et mecanisme de la transition Journal of Solid State Chemistry 23 327-339 | 1978 | synthetic | 0 | 293 | |
0013358 | Minium | Gavarri J R, Weigel D, Hewat A W (1978) Oxydes de plomb. IV. Evolution structurale de l'oxyde Pb3O4 entre 240 et 5 K et mecanisme de la transition Journal of Solid State Chemistry 23 327-339 | 1978 | synthetic | 0 | 293 | |
0014078 | Minium | Gross S T (1943) The crystal structure of Pb3O4 Journal of the American Chemical Society 65 1107-1110 | 1943 | synthetic | 0 | 293 |
CIF Raw Data - click here to close
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
d-spacing | Intensity |
---|---|
3.38 Γ | (100) |
3.113 Γ | (20) |
2.903 Γ | (50) |
2.787 Γ | (45) |
2.632 Γ | (30) |
1.903 Γ | (20) |
1.775 Γ | (30) |
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
---|---|
Stage 7: Great Oxidation Event | <2.4 |
47h : [Near-surface oxidized, dehydrated minerals] | |
Stage 10b: Anthropogenic minerals | <10 Ka |
55 : Anthropogenic mine minerals | |
56 : Slag and smelter minerals (see also #51 and #55) |
Geological Setting:
A rare secondary alteration mineral. Also formed during mine fires.
Synonyms of Minium
Other Language Names for Minium
Relationship of Minium to other Species
Member of:
Other Members of this group:
IgelstrΓΆmite | Fe3+(SbPb)O4 | Tet. 4/mmm (4/m 2/m 2/m) : P42/mbc |
Manganoschafarzikite | MnSb2O4 | Tet. 4/mmm (4/m 2/m 2/m) : P42/mbc |
Schafarzikite | Fe2+Sb3+2O4 | Tet. 4/mmm (4/m 2/m 2/m) : P42/mbc |
Trippkeite | Cu2+As3+2O4 | Tet. 4/mmm (4/m 2/m 2/m) : P42/mbc |
Common Associates
Associated Minerals Based on Photo Data:
22 photos of Minium associated with Cerussite | PbCO3 |
21 photos of Minium associated with Mimetite | Pb5(AsO4)3Cl |
18 photos of Minium associated with Galena | PbS |
13 photos of Minium associated with Quartz | SiO2 |
13 photos of Minium associated with Anglesite | PbSO4 |
8 photos of Minium associated with Wulfenite | Pb(MoO4) |
8 photos of Minium associated with Lead | Pb |
6 photos of Minium associated with Gypsum | CaSO4 Β· 2H2O |
6 photos of Minium associated with Baryte | BaSO4 |
6 photos of Minium associated with Descloizite | PbZn(VO4)(OH) |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
4.BD.05 | Minium Group | AB2O4 (A: divalent, trivalent or tetravalent cation; B: mostly trivalent cations) |
Other Information
Health Risks:
Contains lead - always wash hands after handling. Avoid inhaling dust when handling or breaking. Never lick or ingest.
Internet Links for Minium
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-2721.html
Please feel free to link to this page.
Please feel free to link to this page.
Search Engines:
External Links:
Mineral Dealers:
References for Minium
Reference List:
Eastaugh, Nicholas, Walsh, Valentine, Chaplin, Tracey, Siddall, Ruth (2004) Pigment Compendium - A Dictionary of Historical Pigments. Elsevier, Oxford. doi:10.4324/9780080473765
Holtstam, D., Langhof, J., Friis, H., Karlsson, A., Erambert, M. (2024) IgelstrΓΆmite, FeΒ³βΊ(SbΒ³βΊPbΒ²βΊ)Oβ, and manganoschafarzikite, MnΒ²βΊSbΒ³βΊβOβ, two new members of the newly established minium group, from the L\aangban MnβFe deposit, VΓ€rmland, Sweden. European Journal of Mineralogy, 36 (2) 311-322 doi:10.5194/ejm-36-311-2024
Localities for Minium
Locality List
- This locality has map coordinates listed.
- This locality has estimated coordinates.
β - 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).
Struck out - Mineral was erroneously reported from this locality.
Faded * - Never found at this locality but inferred to have existed at some point in the past (e.g. from pseudomorphs).
All localities listed without proper references should be considered as questionable.
All localities listed without proper references should be considered as questionable.
Australia | |
| Worner et al. (et al) |
Worner et al. (et al) | |
| Sharon Cisneros collection |
Mineralogical Mag. Dec 1990 | |
| Noble |
| Sorrell (n.d.) |
Austria | |
| Niedermayr et al. (1995) |
| Knobloch et al. (2018) |
| Strasser (1989) |
Niedermayr et al. (2009) | |
| Dittler (1916) |
Belgium | |
| Michel BLONDIEAU et al. (2018) |
| Blondieau (1997) |
Bolivia | |
| Alfredo Petrov and Jaroslav Hyrsl ... |
Bulgaria | |
| Kostov et al :Minerals of Bulgaria (1964) +1 other reference |
Canada | |
| Richard Gunter specimen |
| Dawson Creek +1 other reference |
Dawson Creek +1 other reference | |
Chile | |
| W. T Holberton (1920) |
China | |
| Qunxi Zhang et al. (2006) |
| Xiaochao Hui (2014) |
| Bin Lin et al. (2013) |
Pavel.M. Kartashov (n.d.) | |
| Huliang Xiao et al. (2003) |
Czech Republic | |
| PauliΕ‘ +3 other references |
| Ettler et al. (2015) |
France | |
| J.J. Périchaud : "Les Gisements Métalliques du District à Antimoine de Brioude-Massiac (Massif-Central Français) |
| |
| Favreau G. et al. (1996) |
| ASSELBORN E. (1982) |
| Germain C. et al. (1990) |
| Anthony et al. (1997) |
| Gol (2014) |
| Favreau et al. (2003) |
| Berbain et al. (2005) |
| Leconte J. et al. (2016) |
| Robert PECORINI (2016) |
Gabon | |
| Janusz Janeczek (1999) |
Germany | |
| Walenta (1992) |
| Walenta (1992) |
| Gruber (2000) |
| Walenta (1992) |
| Lapis 21 (12) |
| Wittern (1995) |
| [Wittern (1995) |
| Emser Hefte 1988 (1) +1 other reference |
| WeiΓ (1990) |
| WeiΓ (1990) |
| |
| Lapis (1) |
Luetcke (n.d.) | |
| Schnorrer et al. (2002) +1 other reference |
| Schnorrer-KΓΆhler (1984) |
GrΓΆbner (2007) | |
| Wittern (2001) |
| Lapis (2) |
| Wittern (2001) |
| Matthias Reinhardt (2011) |
WeiΓ (1990) | |
WeiΓ (1990) | |
| WeiΓ (1990) |
| Graf et al. (1992) |
| BlaΓ et al. (1995) |
[Hintze et al. (1961) | |
| Habel et al. (2009) |
| WeiΓ (1990) |
| WeiΓ (1990) |
| Lapis 1988 (1) |
| Lapis 1988 (1) |
| Lapis 1988 (1) |
| Lapis 1988 (1) |
| Anthony et al. (1997) |
| WeiΓ (1990) |
Paul Bongaerts collection | |
| Graf et al. (1991) |
| Noeggerath (1855) |
| WeiΓ (1990) |
| WeiΓ (1990) |
| Wittern (2001) |
| GrΓΆbner et al. (2011) |
| Wittern (2001) |
Greece | |
| |
| Lapis et al. (1999) |
| Lapis et al. (1999) |
Rieck et al. (2018) | |
| |
Schnorrer-KΓΆhler et al. (1982) | |
Fritz Schreiber collection | |
Gelaude et al. (1996) | |
Gelaude et al. (1996) | |
Gelaude et al. (1996) | |
Gelaude et al. (1996) | |
| Sotiropoulou et al. (2010) |
Hungary | |
| SzakΓ‘ll: Minerals of SzΓ‘r Hill |
Iran | |
| |
P Haas collection | |
| Javanshir. A. 2007. Mineralogy et al. (Mo) |
Italy | |
| Pelloux A. (1927) |
| Gramaccioli (1975) |
| Balestra et al. (2011) |
| Bertolini A. Rivista Mineralogica ... |
| Maida (2002) |
| Maida (2002) |
| Maida (2002) |
| De Michele (1974) |
| AA. VV. |
Stara et al. (1993) | |
| Stara et al. (1996) |
Stara | |
| Stara et al. (1996) |
| Preite et al. (2007) |
| Fiori et al. (1999) |
Stara | |
Stara et al. (1996) | |
De Michele (1974) | |
AA. VV. | |
| Traverso (1898) +1 other reference |
| Paolo Gasparetto et al. (2014) |
| Bazzoni et al. (2007) |
| Bazzoni et al. (2001) |
| Bonifazi (2020) |
Bonifazi (2020) | |
Mexico | |
| Panczner (1987) |
| Panczner (1987) |
| Panczner (1987) |
Saini-Eidukat et al. | |
| Diaz-Unzueta (1987) |
| Rocks & Min.: 56:247. |
Thomas P. Moore (2008) | |
| Panczner (1987) |
| Dana 7:I:518. +1 other reference |
| Michael W. Kieron collection |
| King (n.d.) |
Morocco | |
| JΓ©brak et al. (1998) |
| JΓ©brak et al. (1998) |
Namibia | |
| Gebhard (1999) |
| Rocks & Min.: 23:606 +1 other reference |
von Bezing (2007) | |
New Zealand | |
| Courtney et al. (1990) |
Norway | |
| BudzyΕ et al. (2023) |
| WitsΓΈ (1998) |
Portugal | |
| Pedro Alves collection and analytical ... |
| Pedro Alves collection and analytical ... |
Romania | |
| Hansen et al. (2019) |
Russia | |
| John C. White collection via Southwest Scientific Company--Hamilton (reference added by Dana Slaughter) |
| Yurii P. Men'shikov data |
maurice.strahlen.org (2003) | |
| Grant et al. (2001) |
Serbia | |
| PaΔevski et al. (2018) |
Slovakia | |
| KodΔra (1986) |
Slovenia | |
Grafenauer (1960) +1 other reference | |
South Africa | |
| Cairncross et al. (1995) +1 other reference |
| De Jager (1966) +1 other reference |
Cairncross et al. (1995) | |
| SAMS (South African Micromount Society) |
| Cairncross et al. (1995) |
| Rocks & Min.: 20:429. |
Cairncross et al. (1995) | |
Natural History Museum Vienna collection (sample from 1894) +2 other references | |
South Korea | |
| Econ Geol 92 (1997) |
Spain | |
| Romero Silva JC (2003) |
| Joan Rosell (2022) |
| Joan Abella i Creus (2008) |
Sweden | |
| Dr. Gunter Grundmann collection |
Switzerland | |
| Le Cristallier Suisse (7) |
Vanini F. et al. (1998) | |
| Stalder et al. (1998) |
| |
Tajikistan | |
| Turlychkin et al. (1972) |
Turkmenistan | |
| Lapis 17 (2) |
UK | |
| |
| BMS Newsletter 79 (http://britishmicromountsociety.homestead.com/Gannell-Smelter.html) |
| Ford et al. (1993) |
| Ford et al. (1993) +1 other reference |
| F. Rutley: "Elements of Mineralogy" (1900) |
Dunham et al. (2nd Edition) | |
| Day (1999) |
| Hall (1868) |
| |
| |
USA | |
| Anthony et al. (1995) |
| Luetcke (n.d.) |
Luetcke (n.d.) | |
| Luetcke (n.d.) |
| Luetcke (n.d.) |
| Luetcke (n.d.) |
| Luetcke (n.d.) |
| Mandarino (1996) |
| Wilson et al. (1934) |
| Bancroft et al. (1990) |
Luetcke (n.d.) | |
Wilson (1933) | |
Rocks & Min.: 61:55-56 +1 other reference | |
Anthony et al. (1995) | |
Galbraith (1959) +1 other reference | |
Anthony et al. (1995) | |
| Anthony et al. (1995) |
| Galbraith (1959) +1 other reference |
| |
| Luetcke (n.d.) |
| Anthony et al. (1995) |
| Galbraith (1959) |
| Anthony et al. (1995) |
| Williams et al. (1963) +1 other reference |
Anthony et al. (1995) | |
Collected by Donn Cuson 2000 | |
| Luetcke (n.d.) |
| Michael Cline and Michael C. Roarke ... |
| Bideaux (1980) +1 other reference |
| Anthony et al. (1995) |
| Williams et al. (1970) +1 other reference |
| Schrader (1915) +1 other reference |
| Luetcke (n.d.) |
Luetcke (n.d.) | |
| Luetcke (n.d.) |
| Anthony et al. (1995) |
Galbraith (1959) | |
Wilson (1933) | |
| Wilson (1933) |
| Walstrom (n.d.) |
| Van Nostrand Reinholt Press: 184 +2 other references |
| |
| Van Nostrand Reinholt Press: 184. +2 other references |
| Murdoch (1966) |
| Van Nostrand Reinholt Press: 184 +3 other references |
| Van Nostrand Reinholt Press: 184. +2 other references |
| King (n.d.) |
Hoffman (1878) +1 other reference | |
| Rocks & Min.:64:503. |
Irelan et al. (1890a) +1 other reference | |
| Eckel et al. (1997) |
| Dana 6:1089. |
| Eckel et al. (1997) |
| Eckel et al. (1997) |
| Luetcke (n.d.) |
| Geology and Mining Industry of Leadville |
| Geology and Mining Industry of Leadville |
Geology and Mining Industry of Leadville | |
Dana 6: 231. | |
Geology and Mining Industry of Leadville | |
Geology and Mining Industry of Leadville | |
Geology and Mining Industry of Leadville | |
Geology and Mining Industry of Leadville | |
Geology and Mining Industry of Leadville | |
Dana 6: 1090. | |
| Mineralogical Record:16 (3) |
| Eckel et al. (1997) |
| Eckel et al. (1997) |
| Eckel et al. (1997) |
| Schooner (circa 1980s) |
| Ream (2004) |
| Dana 7:I:103 |
| Rocks & Min. 70:249-250. |
| Ream (1995) |
| Ream (1995) |
| Ream (1995) |
| Rocks & Min. 70:255 |
Ream (2004) | |
Ream (2004) | |
| Ream (1995) |
| Sherwood et al. (1998) |
Dana 6:1083. | |
Dana 6:1083. | |
Dana 6: 1083. +1 other reference | |
| USGS Bull 139 |
| Haynes (2007) |
Castor et al. (2004) | |
Castor et al. (2004) | |
Hayes et al. (2008) | |
| Tom Moore 2008 Tucson Report |
| Castor et al. (2004) |
| Clive Bailen |
| Luetcke (n.d.) |
| Castor et al. (2004) |
| Castor et al. (2004) |
| NBMG Bull 58 Geology and Mineral ... |
| Castor et al. (2004) |
| American Mineralogist 37:438-446 |
| Castor et al. (2004) |
| Smith (2005) |
| Northrop et al. (1996) |
| Northrop et al. (1996) |
R & J DeMark Minerals of the Carnahan ... | |
| Northrop et al. (1996) |
Northrop et al. (1996) | |
Northrop et al. (1996) | |
Northrop et al. (1996) | |
| Northrop et al. (1996) |
Northrop et al. (1996) | |
Northrop et al. (1996) | |
| NY State Museum spec. no. 13929 |
Alminas +2 other references | |
| Luetcke (n.d.) |
| Excalibur Minerals specimen. |
| Dana 7:I:518. |
| American Mineralogist (1969) |
Collected by and in the collection of ... | |
Collected by and in the collection of ... | |
| Bullock (1981) |
| Dana 6:1073 +1 other reference |
| Dietrich (1990) |
| Palache et al. (834 p.) |
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Santa FΓ© Mine, BolaΓ±os, BolaΓ±os Municipality, Jalisco, Mexico