Duftite
A variety of Minerals
What is Duftite?
Duftite is a relatively common arsenate mineral with the formula CuPb(AsO4)(OH), related to conichalcite. It is green and often forms botryoidal aggregates. It is a member of the adelite-descloizite Group, Conichalcite-Duftite Series. Duftite and conichalcite specimens from Tsumeb are commonly zoned in color and composition. Microprobe analyses and X-ray powder-diffraction studies indicate extensive substitution of Zn for Cu, and Ca for Pb in the duftite structure. This indicates a solid solution among conichalcite, CaCu(AsO4 )(OH), austinite, CaZn(AsO4)(OH) and duftite PbCu(AsO4)(OH), all of them belonging to the adelite group of arsenates. It was named after Mining Councilor G Duft, Director of the Otavi Mine and Railroad Company, Tsumeb, Namibia. The type locality is the Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region, Namibia.
Market Value Factors
Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Duftite 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.
Duftite Localities Map
See where Duftite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.
Key Characteristics
Composition of Duftite
The structure is composed of chains of edge-sharing CuO6 distorted octahedra parallel to the c axis. The chains are linked by AsO4 tetrahedra and Pb atoms.
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Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- Olive-green, grey-green; light apple-green in transmitted light.
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 4.5
- Density
- 6.602 g/cm³
- Streak
- Pale green, white.
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- PbCu(AsO4)(OH)
- Elements
- As, Cu, H, O, Pb
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Duftite FAQs
How do I identify Duftite?
Duftite can be identified by its hardness of 4.5 on the Mohs scale, Olive-green color. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.
What color is Duftite?
Duftite typically appears in Olive-green, grey-green; light apple-green in transmitted light.. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.
How hard is Duftite?
Duftite has a hardness of 4.5 on the Mohs scale. This gives it moderate hardness.
What is the composition of duftite of Duftite?
The structure is composed of chains of edge-sharing CuO6 distorted octahedra parallel to the c axis. The chains are linked by AsO4 tetrahedra and Pb atoms.
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