Litharge
PbO [CNMNC approved formula]
Named from the Greek word given by Dioscorides to the lead oxide obtained in parting lead from silver by fire metallurgy; a name long applied to the synthetic product.
| IMA status : | Valid species (Pre-IMA 1917) Grandfathered |
| CLASSIFICATION | |
| Dana (8th edition) : |
04.02.04.01 |
| (04) Simple Oxides | |
| (04.02) with a cation charge of 2+ (A++ O) | |
| (04.02.04) | |
| Nickel-Strunz (10th edition) : |
04.AC.20 |
| (04) Oxides and Hydroxides | |
| (04.A) Metal:Oxygen = 2.1 and 1:1 | |
| (04.AC) M:O = 1:1 (and up to 1:1.25); with large cations (+- smaller ones) | |
| Crystal system: | Tetragonal System |
| Point group (H-M): | 4/mmm (or 4/m 2/m 2/m) — ditetragonal-dipyramidal |
| Unit cell: | a = 3.9729 Å, c = 5.0217 Å |
| Crystal Habit: | Crusts; alteration borders on Massicot |
| Color: | Red; red to red-orange in transmitted light |
| Diaphaneity: | Transparent |
| Luster: | Greasy, Dull |
| Hardness (Mohs): | 2 to 5 |
| Measured Density: | 9.35 g/cm3 |
| Cleavage: | 1; {110} perfect |
| Polymorphism and Series: | Dimorphous with massicot |
| Geologic Setting: | As an alteration product of other lead-bearing minerals. |
| Mineral Association: | Lead, galena, massicot, plattnerite, hydrocerussite |
| Synonyms/varieties: | Litargia, Lithargite, |
This specimen has crusts of reddish orange litharge set among crystals of magnesioferrite.Origin: Långban, Sweden
Sample size: 3.8 x 3 x 2 cm
Photo: John Veevaert, Trinity Mineral Co
(zoom-in of above)
This specimen has a surface layer of pyrochroite upon which are found native lead and red litharge. The word "Monja", found on von Eckermann's label, is an obsolete term used to describe lead oxides - mainly litharge. There are also a few scattered and very small crystals of barite on this specimen. Litharge was widespread in the mine and generally found in close proximity to native lead.
Origin: Långban, Sweden
Sample size: 5.5 x 5.3 x 2.5 cm
Photo: John Veevaert, Trinity Mineral Co
(zoom-in of above)