Mineral Database

Mineral Database
Mineralogy of Wales

Queitite

Crystal System: Monoclinic
Formula: Pb4Zn2SO4SiO4Si2O7
Status of Occurrence: Confirmed Occurrence
Distribution: Rare
Chemical Composition: Lead zinc silicate sulphate
Method(s) of Verification: Penrhiw Mine - EMPA shows Pb, Zn, Si and S in similar ratios to queitite from Red Gill Mine, Caldbeck Fells (Mason & Green, 1995).
Geological Context:
  • Supergene : post-mining oxidation & weathering deposits
Introduction: queitite is an extremely rare secondary mineral typically developed in the oxidized zone of lead-zinc bearing ore bodies and through post-mining alteration of lead-zinc ore.
Occurrence in Wales: a single specimen displaying microscopic crystal sprays was collected from weathered veinstone in a small section of dumps at Penrhiw Mine in the Central Wales Orefield.
Key Localities:
  • Penrhiw Mine, Ystumtuen, Ceredigion: found on a single specimen as aggregates of minute lath like crystals to about 50 μm in length (Mason & Green, 1995).
References:
  • Mason, J.S. & Green, D.I., 1995 Supergene minerals including exceptional ramsbeckite from Penrhiw Mine, Ystumtuen, Dyfed.  UK Journal of Mines & Minerals, 15, 21-27.