Lengenbachite,
which takes its name from the Lengenbach mine, is one of the best known minerals
from the quarry. The mineral, which is triclinic, forms very thin sheets, flexible
(but not elastic), often curved (reminiscent of molybdenite, but unlike the latter,
it doesn’t show the hexagonal shape, since lengenbachite is triclinic)
lead-grey to gray-black, sometimes with iridescent patina. It’s also found
as acicular fan-like aggregates, but this habit is much less common.
It can be
associated with jordanite, galenite, pyrite and sphalerite, that is, always in
the poorest arsenic bearing areas of the mine. In 1977 the greatest lengenbachite
discovery was made, since almost 40% of all specimens found that year were of
this species. As a curiosity, in 1986 North Korea printed in one of their stamps
a sample of lengenbachite.
Hutchinson, M.A. (1905): The
chemical composition of Lengenbachite.
[Read June 14, 1905.]
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Very curious flatenned
lengenbachite crystals. Long crystal is near 1,5mm. We call your attention on
the dolomite crystal on the two "towers". |
| Field of view 3 mm. |
| Collection and
Photo: Joan Rosell |
| Ex-Toni Imhof collection.
Specimen found in 1978. |
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Photo
Copyright © Joan Rosell 2008
This image is copyrighted. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited. |
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Nice star shape
lengenbachite. One of the most beatiful specimens I've seen before. |
| Field of view 2 mm. |
| Collection and
Photo: Stephan Wolfsried. |
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Photo
Copyright © Stephan Wolfsried 06/2006
This image is copyrighted. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited. |
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Very delicate lengenbachite
crystals on dolomite. |
| Field of view 4 mm. |
| Collection: Eva
Drechsler - Photo: Joan Rosell |
| Summer
2007 |
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Photo
Copyright © Joan Rosell 2007
This image is copyrighted. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited. |
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| Field of view 3 mm. |
| Collection and
Photo: Stephan Wolfsried. |
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Photo
Copyright © Stephan Wolfsried 06/2006
This image is copyrighted. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited. |
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