Bartelkeite
A variety of Minerals
What is Bartelkeite?
Bartelkeite is an exceptionally rare mineral, one of scarce natural germanium compounds. The formula was originally assumed to be PbFeGe3O8, bartelkeite was later shown to be isostructural with a high-pressure form of the mineral lawsonite. Thus, its correct formula is PbFeGe(Ge2O7)(OH)2•H2O. Bartelkeite and mathewrogersite are minerals with essential (dominant) lead, iron and germanium. Both come from Tsumeb, Namibia - a world's "capital" of germanium minerals.
Market Value Factors
Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Bartelkeite before comparing listings or appraisals.
Size & Weight
Larger, intact specimens usually command higher prices.
Rarity & Demand
Scarce material or popular varieties sell at a premium.
Condition & Finish
Chips, repairs, and heavy wear lower value; clean prep helps.
Treatment & Provenance
Untreated specimens with documented locality are prized.
Bartelkeite Localities Map
See where Bartelkeite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.
Key Characteristics
Formation of Bartelkeite
Bartelkeite was detected in voids of germanium ore occurring within dolomites. The mineral associates with galena, germanite, reniérite, and tennantite.
Composition of Bartelkeite
Bartelkeite is the first analyzed mineral containing both tetrahedrally- and octahedrally-coordinated germanium. It is isostructural with high-pressure form of the silicate lawsonite. In the structure there are: chains of FeO6 and GeO6 octahedra, that share edges Ge2O7 dimers that cross-link the chains Pb atoms and water molecules in large cavities of the framework
Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- Colourless, white to very pale greenish
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 4
- Density
- 4.97 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- Pb(Fe2+Ge)Ge2O72 · H2O
- Elements
- Fe, Ge, H, O, Pb
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Bartelkeite FAQs
How do I identify Bartelkeite?
Bartelkeite can be identified by its hardness of 4 on the Mohs scale, Colourless color. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.
What color is Bartelkeite?
Bartelkeite typically appears in Colourless, white to very pale greenish. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.
How hard is Bartelkeite?
Bartelkeite has a hardness of 4 on the Mohs scale. This gives it moderate hardness.
What is the formation of bartelkeite of Bartelkeite?
Bartelkeite was detected in voids of germanium ore occurring within dolomites. The mineral associates with galena, germanite, reniérite, and tennantite.
What is the composition of bartelkeite of Bartelkeite?
Bartelkeite is the first analyzed mineral containing both tetrahedrally- and octahedrally-coordinated germanium. It is isostructural with high-pressure form of the silicate lawsonite. In the structure there are: chains of FeO6 and GeO6 octahedra, that share edges Ge2O7 dimers that cross-link the chains Pb atoms and water molecules in large cavities of the framework
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