Amherstite: The Rare Lead Sulfate Hydroxide Mineral

Amherstite is a rare mineral, with the chemical formula (NH4)2Pb(SO4)O. It was discovered in 1865 in the town of Amherst, Massachusetts, and is named after the town. It is a lead sulfate hydroxide mineral that forms as an alteration product of galena (lead sulfide) in the oxidized zones of lead deposits.

Amherstite is typically found in the form of small, tabular crystals, and it has a vitreous luster. It is usually colorless or white, but it can also be yellowish or grayish due to impurities. It has a high density, around 4.2 g/cm3, and it is relatively soft, with a Mohs hardness of around 2.5.

Amherstite is not a well-known mineral, and it is not widely found in many places. However, it is an interesting mineral for collectors and scientists due to its unique chemical composition and crystal structure.