Leiteite (type specimen)

TSNB810
Specimen
Teixeira-Leite, L.
Exhibit 1. Leiteite (type specimen); 70 mm.
Exhibit 1. Leiteite (type specimen); 70 mm.
Image Credit: Malcolm Southwood photo; courtesy of the NHM London
Exhibit 2. Leiteite (type specimen); 70 mm.
Exhibit 2. Leiteite (type specimen); 70 mm.
Image Credit: Malcolm Southwood photo; courtesy of the NHM London
Exhibit 3. Specimen label (NHM London).
Exhibit 3. Specimen label (NHM London).
Image Credit: Malcolm Southwood photo; courtesy of the NHM London
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Specimen Title

Leiteite (type specimen)

Associated Minerals

schneiderhönite

Principal Mineral

Leiteite

Size

Cabinet; 70mm

Location in the Mine

Second oxidation zone; 29 Level (?)

Provenance

Teixeira-Leite, L.

Collection

NHM London; BM.1976,432

Entry Number

Specimen; TSNB810

Associated Minerals

schneiderhönite

Description

A micaceous mass of translucent, off-white to pale brown leiteite, associated with minor schneiderhöhnite and relict partly oxidised sulphide ore.

The accompanying label (Exhibit 3) notes that this is part of the type specimen and that it was obtained by exchange with Mr Luis Teixeira-Leite, after whom the mineral is named (Cesbron et al. 1977).

The specimen is unquestionably from the second oxidation zone, but the assumption that it is from 29 Level (Cesbron et al. 1977) was based mainly on the association with schneiderhöhnite which, at that time, was known only from that level in the mine but which is now known to be more widely distributed.