Mimetite Gem Guide and Properties Chart

Mimetite is a lead-arsenate mineral belonging to the apatite group. It forms a series with vanadinite and pyromorphite. For this reason, the mineral is named for the Greek word for imitator due to its resemblance to pyromorphite.

General Information

Classification
Optical Properties
Characteristic Physical Properties
Chemistry & Crystallography

Common Name

Mimetite

Species

Mimetite

Transparency

Translucent-Transparent

Dispersion

Strength: None

Refractive Index

Over The Limit 2.128-2.147

Birefringence

0.019

Optic Character

Uniaxial

Optic Sign

Negative

Polariscope Reaction

Aggregate (AGG), Doubly Refractive (DR)

Fluorescence

SWUV: Inert to orange
LWUV: Inert to yellowish white

Hardness

3.5-4

Streak

White

Specific Gravity

7.240

Toughness

Poor

Luster

SubAdamantine, Resinous

Fracture

Uneven, subconchoidal

Cleavage

Poor

Chemical Name

lead chloroarsenate

Chemical Formula

Pb₅(AsO₄)₃Cl

Crystal System

Hexagonal

Chemistry Classification

Phosphate

Mimetite Colors

Brown
Colorless
Orange
White
Yellow

Countries of Origin

Russian Federation; Czechia; United States of America; Malaysia; Kazakhstan; Thailand; United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland; Portugal; Greece; Austria; Sweden; Morocco; Unknown; China; Ireland; Poland; Algeria; Slovakia; Bulgaria; Chile; France; Argentina; Iran (Islamic Republic of); Romania; Hungary; Japan; Uzbekistan; Zambia; Switzerland; Bolivia (Plurinational State of); Spain; New Zealand; Canada; Belgium; Norway; Botswana; Namibia; Finland; Italy; Mexico; South Africa; Zimbabwe; Australia; Peru; Germany; Indonesia

Care

Mimetite is fairly soft. Wash hands after handling.