What is "linarite"

Linarite \Li*nar"ite\ (l[-e]*n[aum]r"[imac]t), n. [So called because formerly supposed to occur at Linares, in Spain.] (Min.) A hydrous sulphate of lead and copper occurring in bright blue monoclinic crystals.

n. (context mineralogy English) A monoclinic-prismatic mineral containing copper, hydrogen, lead, oxygen, and sulfur.

Linarite is a somewhat rare, crystalline mineral that is known among mineral collectors for its unusually intense, pure blue color. It is formed by the oxidation of galena and chalcopyrite and other copper sulfides. It is a combined copper lead sulfate hydroxide with formula PbCuSO(OH). Linarite occurs as monoclinic prismatic to tabular crystals and irregular masses. It is easily confused with azurite, but does not react with dilute hydrochloric acid as azurite does. It has a Mohs hardness of 2.5 and a specific gravity of 5.3 - 5.5.

Linarite was first identified in 1822. It is named after the Linares Plateau, Spain. It occurs in association with brochantite, anglesite, caledonite, leadhillite, cerussite, malachite and hemimorphite.