Mineralpedia Details for Carminite

Named for the typical deep red color that is also known as carmine. Carminite is an uncommon mineral that is found as an alteration product or arsenopyrite in oxidized lead-bearing mineral deposits. Localities for Carminite include in Germany, England, France, the USA, Mexico, Australia, Namibia, among several others. Minerals associated with Carminite include beudantite, scorodite, dussertite, arsenosiderite, bayldonite, mimetite, cerussite, anglesite, plumbojarosite, and wulfenite.

Ref. Handbook of Mineralogy, Anthony et al (1995) and MSA at http://www.handbookofmineralogy.org/pdfs/carminite.pdf

Formula

PbFe³⁺₂(AsO₄)₂(OH)₂ 

Crystal System

Orthorhombic 

Crystal Habit

Lath, Acicular 

Cleavage

Distinct, None, None 

Luster

Vitreous - Pearly 

Color

carmine red, reddish brown 

Streak

reddish yellow 

Class

Orthorhombic - Dipyramidal 

Fracture

Brittle 

Hardness

3.5 

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Mindat

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Beautiful micro red, less than 0.5mm, spherulites of Carminite in spongy limonitic matrix.

Special Info

EDS Confirmed

Tiny red acicular crystals lining vugs in 1cm matrix with mustard yellow Segnitite.

An excellent, rich specimen with beautiful sprays of Carminite throughout the matrix of Beudantite. The Carminite sprays measure about 3mm. The digital camera brought out the red in the Carminite, but they are actually a better, a more translucent deeper red.

The specimen has a detailed long number but does not tie it to any label. The Carminite is deep red and very micro as well as the yellowish Beaverite. It does have a Barstow label.

Deep carmine red Carminite crystals to about 0.75mm in aggregates acoss the  face and covered with long tapering scalenohedral crystals of water clear Calcite.