It was first discovered in 1923 in the Mendip Hills, Somerset, England associated with mendipite.

[3] Like mendipite it is an oxychloride mineral and formed from the alteration of lead ore (galena) by secondary oxidation.

In addition to mendipite, it occurs with diaboleite, parkinsonite, wulfenite, cerussite and hydrocerussite.

[5] Its name comes from the Greek words (χλωρός) "green", describing its color, and (ζιφος) "blade" as its crystal form is long blade-like crystals that often show the growth pattern and time taken to form.

This article about a specific halide mineral is a stub.