Linarite and connellite dataset from Calabria region (Southern Italy): First evidence

Area of Science:

• Mineralogy
• Geochemistry
• Ore Deposits

Background:

• The Fiumarella Mine in Calabria, Southern Italy, is known for its cupriferous sulfide ores.
• Oxidized zones in ore deposits can host unique secondary mineral assemblages.
• Linarite (PbCuSO4(OH)2) and connellite (Cu36Cl6(SO4)2(OH)62·12H2O) are copper-bearing sulfate minerals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present mineralogical and chemical data for linarite and connellite.
• To document the occurrence of these minerals within the oxidized zones of the Fiumarella Mine.
• To characterize associated minerals found alongside linarite and connellite.

Main Methods:

• Optical microscopy for mineral identification and textural analysis.
• Micro X-ray Fluorescence (μ-XRF) for elemental composition.
• Micro-Raman spectroscopy for molecular structure determination.

Main Results:

• Dataset includes detailed mineralogical and chemical characterization of linarite and connellite.
• Linarite observed as blue prismatic crystals on a barite matrix.
• Connellite identified as acicular tufts, also associated with matrix minerals.
• Wulfenite (PbMoO4) was recently detected in the mine, alongside other primary and secondary minerals.

Conclusions:

• The study provides valuable data on linarite and connellite from the Fiumarella Mine.
• The mineralogical assemblage offers insights into secondary mineral formation processes in oxidized copper sulfide environments.
• This dataset enhances the understanding of sulfate mineral occurrences in Southern Italy.