Xilingolite

Xilingolite is a lead sulfide mineral with formula Pb₃Bi₂S₆.[1] It has a hardness of 3, a metallic luster, and usually exhibits a lead-grey color. It is a dimorph of lillianite, exhibiting increased Pb-Bi order and decreased symmetry.[1]

Xilingolite
General
Category	Sulfosalt minerals
Formula (repeating unit)	Pb3Bi2S6
Strunz classification	2.JB.40a
Crystal system	Monoclinic
Crystal class	Prismatic (2/m) (same H-M symbol)
Space group	C2/m
Unit cell	a = 13.65 Å, b = 4.07 Å c = 20.68 Å; β = 93°; Z = 4
Identification
Formula mass	1,231.96 g/mol
Color	Lead grey
Crystal habit	Elongated and striated prismatic crystals
Twinning	On {001}
Mohs scale hardness	3 (calcite)
Luster	Metallic
Streak	Grey
Diaphaneity	opaque
Specific gravity	7.08
References	[1][2][3]

Its crystal system is monoclinic, with three axes of unequal length two of which are at an oblique angle to each other while the third axis is perpendicular to the plane formed by the other two.[1] Xilingolite is opaque, meaning that its internal structure does not allow for light to be transmitted through it.[1] The mineral also exhibits white to blue-tinted-white pleochroism under reflected light.[1]

Discovery and occurrence

Xilingolite was first described in 1982 for an occurrence in an iron-rich skarn deposit in the Chaobuleng district of the Xilingoa League, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China. Its name is derived from the locality in which it was originally found. Xilingolite is also known to occur in various localities in Valais, Switzerland.[1][2] At the type locality it occurs associated with magnetite, sphalerite, pyrrhotite, pyrite, arsenopyrite, chalcopyrite, digenite, bornite, molybdenite, galena, native bismuth and bismuthinite.[3]

References

1. Berlepsch, P.B., Armbruster, T.A., Makovicky, E.M., Hejny, C.H., Topa, D.T., and Graeser, S.G. (2001) The Crystal Structure of (001) Twinned Xilingolite, Pb₃Bi₂S₆, from Mittal-Hohtenn, Valais, Switzerland. Canadian Mineralogist, 39, 1653-1663.
2. Mindat.org
3. Handbook of Mineralogy