Characterization of a natural substituted pyromorphite

Pyromorphite (Pb-5(PO4)(3)Cl) which occurs in the oxidation zone of a polymetallic Pb-Zn-Ag-Au vein in Paramillos de Uspallata, Mendoza, Argentina, was studied by scanning electron microscopy (including energy dispersive analysis of X-rays (EDAX) electron microprobe), i.r. and Raman spectroscopies and X-ray powder diffraction analysis. The substitution of Pb by Ca and Ba and Cl by OH, respectively, have been detected. In addition, i.r. absorption bands for the CO32- nu(3)-mode have been clearly identified. They are attributed to the CO32- for PO4-3 substitution in the structure. The composition is regarded as an indication of the paragenesis of the host rocks and the mineralogy of the deposit.