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Despujolsite

A valid IMA mineral species
This page kindly sponsored in honor of Kimberly Sinclair
03881970017271922438909.jpg
Despujolsite

N'Chwaning III Mine, N'Chwaning Mines, Joe Morolong Local Municipality, John Taolo Gaetsewe District Municipality, Northern Cape, South Africa
06074610017271922455021.jpg
Despujolsite

N'Chwaning II Mine, N'Chwaning Mines, Joe Morolong Local Municipality, John Taolo Gaetsewe District Municipality, Northern Cape, South Africa
00723240017271922514472.jpg
Despujolsite

N'Chwaning III Mine, N'Chwaning Mines, Joe Morolong Local Municipality, John Taolo Gaetsewe District Municipality, Northern Cape, South Africa
00110200017864964584803.jpg
Despujolsite

N'Chwaning III Mine, N'Chwaning Mines, Joe Morolong Local Municipality, John Taolo Gaetsewe District Municipality, Northern Cape, South Africa
04619910017866629354613.jpg
Despujolsite

N'Chwaning II Mine, N'Chwaning Mines, Joe Morolong Local Municipality, John Taolo Gaetsewe District Municipality, Northern Cape, South Africa
00723240017271922514472.jpg
Despujolsite

N'Chwaning III Mine, N'Chwaning Mines, Joe Morolong Local Municipality, John Taolo Gaetsewe District Municipality, Northern Cape, South Africa
03881970017271922438909.jpg
Despujolsite

N'Chwaning III Mine, N'Chwaning Mines, Joe Morolong Local Municipality, John Taolo Gaetsewe District Municipality, Northern Cape, South Africa
07751310017271922532061.jpg
Despujolsite

N'Chwaning II Mine, N'Chwaning Mines, Joe Morolong Local Municipality, John Taolo Gaetsewe District Municipality, Northern Cape, South Africa
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About DespujolsiteHide

Formula:
Ca3Mn4+(SO4)2(OH)6 · 3H2O
Colour:
Pale yellow to deep yellow-green
Lustre:
Vitreous
Hardness:
2½
Specific Gravity:
2.46
Crystal System:
Hexagonal
Name:
In honour of Pierre Despujols (1888–1981), founder of the Moroccan Geologic Survey.
Fleischerite Group.


Unique IdentifiersHide

Mindat ID:
1269
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:1269:6

IMA Classification of DespujolsiteHide

IMA status:
Approved
IMA Formula:
Ca3Mn4+(S6+O4)2(OH)6·3H2O
Approval year:
1968

Classification of DespujolsiteHide

Strunz-mindat (2026):
7.DF.25

7 : SULFATES (selenates, tellurates, chromates, molybdates, wolframates)
D : Sulfates (selenates, etc.) with additional anions, with H2O
F : With large and medium-sized cations
Dana 8th ed.:
31.7.6.1

31 : HYDRATED SULFATES CONTAINING HYDROXYL OR HALOGEN
7 : (AB)2(XO4)Zq·xH2O
Hey's CIM Ref.:
25.9.6

25 : Sulphates
9 : Sulphates of Mn

Mineral SymbolsHide

As of 2021 there are now IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols (abbreviations) for each mineral species, useful for tables and diagrams.

SymbolSourceReference for Standard
DpjIMA–CNMNCWarr, L.N. (2021). IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols. Mineralogical Magazine, 85(3), 291-320. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43

Physical Properties of DespujolsiteHide

Lustre:
Vitreous
Transparency:
Transparent
Colour:
Pale yellow to deep yellow-green
Hardness:
2½ on Mohs scale
Tenacity:
Brittle
Fracture:
Conchoidal
Density:
2.46(2) g/cm3 (Measured)    2.52(2) g/cm3 (Calculated)

Optical Data of DespujolsiteHide

Type:
Uniaxial (+)
RI values:
nω = 1.656(2) nε = 1.682(2)
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.026
Based on recorded range of RI values above.

Interference Colours:
The colours simulate birefringence patterns seen in thin section under crossed polars. They do not take into account mineral colouration or opacity.

Michel-Levy Bar The default colours simulate the birefringence range for a 30 µm thin-section thickness. Adjust the slider to simulate a different thickness.

Grain Simulation You can rotate the grain simulation to show how this range might look as you rotated a sample under crossed polars. Each grain retains its interference colour (retardation) while its brightness falls to black at extinction and reaches a maximum between extinction positions.

Surface Relief:
Very High (positive)
Relative to Canada balsam mounting medium (n ≈ 1.537).

This shows the grain boundary and Becke line effect under plane-polarised light, based on the contrast between this mineral's average refractive index and the mounting medium. It does not take into account mineral colouration.
In focus
Interference Figure:
This shows the idealized uniaxial interference figure - the conoscopic (convergent-light, Bertrand-lens-in) view, for a grain cut with the optic axis centred and vertical. The coloured rings are isochromatics, computed with the same physics as the Michel-Lévy bar above; the dark cross is the isogyre.

For a genuinely uniaxial mineral viewed this way, that cross stays perfectly stationary if you rotate the stage - unlike a biaxial mineral, where it splits apart on rotation. That invariance is itself the standard diagnostic test for telling uniaxial and biaxial minerals apart at the microscope.
Pleochroism:
Weak
Comments:
O slightly paler yellow than E.

Chemistry of DespujolsiteHide

Mindat Formula:
Ca3Mn4+(SO4)2(OH)6 · 3H2O
Element Weights:
Element% weight
O51.967 %
Ca22.972 %
S12.253 %
Mn10.497 %
H2.311 %

Calculated from ideal end-member formula.
O
Ca
S
Mn
H
Elements listed:
Ca, H, Mn, O, S - search for minerals with similar chemistry

Crystallography of DespujolsiteHide

Crystal System:
Hexagonal
Class (H-M):
6m2 - Ditrigonal Dipyramidal
Space Group:
P62c
Cell Parameters:
a = 8.5405(5) Å, c = 10.8094(9) Å
Ratio:
a:c = 1 : 1.266
Unit Cell V:
682.81 ų
Z:
2

Crystal StructureHide

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IDSpeciesReferenceLinkYearLocalityPressure (GPa)Temp (K)
0018458DespujolsiteBarkley M C, Yang H, Evans S H, Downs R T, Origlieri M J (2011) Redetermination of despujolsite, Ca3Mn4+(SO4)2(OH)6*3H2O Acta Crystallographica E67 i47-i482011N'Chwaning III mine, Kalahari Manganese Field, South Africa0293
0012127DespujolsiteGaudefroy C, Granger M M, Permingeat F, Protas J (1968) La despujolsite, une nouvelle espece minerale Bulletin de la Societe Francaise de Mineralogie et de Cristallographie 91 43-501968Tachgagalt, Morocco0293
CIF Raw Data - click here to close

X-Ray Powder DiffractionHide

Powder Diffraction Data:
d-spacingIntensity
3.34 Å(very very strong)
4.26 Å(very strong)
2.129 Å(very strong)
7.40 Å(strong)
2.570 Å(strong)
2.025 Å(strong)
3.49 Å(medium strong)

Geological EnvironmentHide

Paragenetic Mode(s):
Paragenetic ModeEarliest Age (Ga)
High-? alteration and/or metamorphism
32 : Ba/Mn/Pb/Zn deposits, including metamorphic deposits
Stage 7: Great Oxidation Event<2.4
47a : [Near-surface hydration of prior minerals]
47b : [Sulfates and sulfites]
47e : [Vanadates, chromates, manganates]

Type Occurrence of DespujolsiteHide

Type Locality:
ⓘ Tachgagalt Mine, Tansifte Caïdat, Agdz Cercle, Zagora Province, Drâa-Tafilalet Region, Morocco
General Appearance of Type Material:
Hexagonal prisms with {10_10} dominant, modified by {10_12} and {0001}.
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Mine, Paris, France, 51094.
Geological Setting of Type Material:
Hydrothermal mineral ion metamorphosed manganese deposits.
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
Gaudefroyite

Synonyms of DespujolsiteHide

Other Language Names for DespujolsiteHide

Relationship of Despujolsite to other SpeciesHide

Member of:
Fleischerite Group
Other Members of Fleischerite Group:
FleischeritePb3Ge(SO4)2(OH)6 · 3H2OHex. 6/mmm(6/m2/m2/m) : P63/mmc
GenplesiteCa3Sn(SO4)2(OH)6 · 3H2OHex. 6/mmm(6/m2/m2/m) : P63/mmc
MallestigitePb3Sb5+(SO4)(AsO4)(OH)6 · 3H2OHex. 6 : P63
SchaurteiteCa3Ge(SO4)2(OH)6 · 4H2OHex. 6/mmm(6/m2/m2/m) : P63/mmc
'Unnamed (Ba-Sb Silicate-Sulphate-Hydroxide-Hydrate)'Ba3Sb5+[(Si,S)O3(OH)]2(OH,O)6 · 3H2O Trig. 3 : P3

Common AssociatesHide

Associations Based on Photo Data:
7 photos of Despujolsite associated with HausmanniteMn2+Mn3+2O4
4 photos of Despujolsite associated with AndraditeCa3Fe3+2(SiO4)3
2 photos of Despujolsite associated with ClinochloreMg5Al(AlSi3O10)(OH)8
2 photos of Despujolsite associated with 'Braunite-II'Ca(Mn3+,Fe)14(SiO4)O20

Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat GroupingHide

7.DF.Siligiite [Pb(H2O)5(SO4)][Zn9(OH)18]Mon. 2/m : P21/b
7.DF.AlcaparrosaiteK3Ti4+Fe3+(SO4)4O(H2O)2Mon. 2/m : B2/b
7.DF.FlaggitePb4Cu2+4Te6+2(SO4)2O11(OH)2(H2O)Tric. 1 : P1
7.DF.BairditePb2Cu2+4Te6+2O10(OH)2(SO4) · H2OMon. 2/m : P21/b
7.DF.TzeferisiteCaZn8(SO4)2(OH)12Cl2(H2O)9Trig. 3m(32/m) : R3c
7.DF.Cherokeeite[Pb2Zn(OH)4](SO4) · H2OMon. 2/m
7.DF.Ammoniomathesiusite(NH4)5(UO2)4(SO4)4(VO5) · 4H2OTet. 4/m : P4/n
7.DF.Sigogglinite[Pb6Zn(OH)8]2(SO4)6 · (H2O)8-xMon. 2/m : P2/m
7.DF.XBlueridgeite[Pb8Zn3Cu2+(OH)16](SO4)2(S2O3)2 · 2H2OMon. 2/m : P21/b
7.DF.ErssoniteMg7Fe3+2(OH)18[Ca(H2O)6](SO4)2 · 12H2OTrig. 3m(32/m) : P3c1
7.DF.PoellmanniteCa6Al3(OH)18[Na(H2O)6](SO4)2 · 6H2OTrig. 3 : R3
7.DF.Carlsonite(NH4)5Fe3+3O(SO4)6 · 7H2OTric. 1 : P1
7.DF.Cuprocherokeeite[Pb8Zn3Cu2+(OH)16](SO4)4 · 4H2OMon. 2/m
7.DF.Haywoodite[Pb(H2O)10][Zn12(OH)20(H2O)(SO4)3]Tric. 1 : P1
7.DF.ChromschieffelinitePb10Te6+6O20(OH)14(CrO4)(H2O)5Orth. 222 : C2221
7.DF.05UklonskoviteNaMg(SO4)F · 2H2OMon. 2/m : P21/m
7.DF.10KainiteKMg(SO4)Cl · 3H2OMon. 2/m : B2/m
7.DF.10KaliochalciteKCu2(SO4)2[(OH)(H2O)]Mon. 2/m : B2/m
7.DF.15NatrochalciteNaCu2(SO4)2(OH) · 2H2OMon. 2/m : B2/m
7.DF.17GenplesiteCa3Sn(SO4)2(OH)6 · 3H2OHex. 6/mmm(6/m2/m2/m) : P63/mmc
7.DF.17'Unnamed (Ba-Sb Silicate-Sulphate-Hydroxide-Hydrate)'Ba3Sb5+[(Si,S)O3(OH)]2(OH,O)6 · 3H2O Trig. 3 : P3
7.DF.20SideronatriteNa2Fe(SO4)2(OH) · 3H2OOrth. 222 : P212121
7.DF.20MetasideronatriteNa2Fe(SO4)2(OH) · H2OOrth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m)
7.DF.25FleischeritePb3Ge(SO4)2(OH)6 · 3H2OHex. 6/mmm(6/m2/m2/m) : P63/mmc
7.DF.25MallestigitePb3Sb5+(SO4)(AsO4)(OH)6 · 3H2OHex. 6 : P63
7.DF.25SchaurteiteCa3Ge(SO4)2(OH)6 · 4H2OHex. 6/mmm(6/m2/m2/m) : P63/mmc
7.DF.30Slavíkite(H3O+)3Mg6Fe15(SO4)21(OH)18 · 98H2OTrig. 3 : R3
7.DF.35MetavoltineK2Na6Fe2+Fe3+6O2(SO4)12 · 18H2OTrig.
7.DF.40LannoniteMg2Ca4Al4(SO4)8F8 · 24H2OTet. 4/m : I4/m
7.DF.40VlodavetsiteAlCa2(SO4)2F2Cl · 4H2OTet. 4/m : I4/m
7.DF.45PeretaiteCa(SbO)4(SO4)2(OH)2 · 2H2OMon. 2/m : B2/b
7.DF.50GordaiteNaZn4(SO4)(OH)6Cl · 6H2OTrig. 3 : P3
7.DF.50CalamaiteNa2TiO(SO4)2 · 2H2OOrth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) : Ibam
7.DF.52Huizingite-(Al)[(NH4)9(SO4)2][(Al,Fe3+)3(OH)2(H2O)4(SO4)6]Tric. 1 : P1
7.DF.52ScordariiteK8(Fe3+0.67◻0.33)[Fe3+3O(SO4)6]2 · 14H2OTrig. 3 : R3
7.DF.55Clairite(NH4)2Fe3(SO4)4(OH)3 · 3H2OTric.
7.DF.55GiacovazzoiteK5Fe3+3O(SO4)6 · 10H2OMon. 2/m : P21/b
7.DF.57MagnanelliiteK3Fe3+2(SO4)4(OH)(H2O)2Mon. 2/m : B2/b
7.DF.60ArzruniteCu4Pb2(SO4)(OH)4Cl6 · 2H2O (?)Orth.
7.DF.60EvdokimoviteTl4(VO)3(SO4)5(H2O)5Mon. 2/m
7.DF.62Bridgesite-(Ce)CaCe2Cu6(SO4)4(OH)12 · 8H2OMon. 2/m : B2/m
7.DF.65ElyitePb4Cu(SO4)O2(OH)4 · H2OMon. 2/m : P21/b
7.DF.70YecoraiteFe3+3Bi5(Te6+O4)2(Te4+O3)O9 · 9H2O
7.DF.70LautenthalitePbCu4(SO4)2(OH)6 · 3H2OMon. 2/m : P21/b
7.DF.75RiomarinaiteBi(SO4)(OH) · H2OMon. 2/m
7.DF.80DukeiteBi3+24Cr6+8O57(OH)6 · 3H2OTrig. 3m : P31c

Other InformationHide

Notes:
Dissolved by HCl with release of chlorine. Turns brown and then black with dilute HNO3. Not attacked by cold acetic acid.
Health Risks:
No information on health risks for this material has been entered into the database. You should always treat mineral specimens with care.

Internet Links for DespujolsiteHide

References for DespujolsiteHide

Localities for DespujolsiteHide

Showing 11 localities.

This map shows a selection of localities that have latitude and longitude coordinates recorded. Click on the symbol to view information about a locality. The symbol next to localities in the list can be used to jump to that position on the map.
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Locality ListHide

- This locality has map coordinates listed. - This locality has estimated coordinates. ⓘ - Click for references and further information on this occurrence. ? - Indicates mineral may be doubtful at this locality. - Good crystals or important locality for species. - World class for species or very significant. (TL) - Type Locality for a valid mineral species. (FRL) - First Recorded Locality for everything else (eg varieties). Struck out - Mineral was erroneously reported from this locality. Faded * - Never found at this locality but inferred to have existed at some point in the past (e.g. from pseudomorphs).

All localities listed without proper references should be considered as questionable.
Australia
 
  • New South Wales
    • Argyle Co.
Munro-Smith (2006)
Bolivia
 
  • Potosí
    • Tomás Frías Province
Dill et al. (1997) +1 other reference
Bulgaria
 
Onac et al. (2011)
Canada
 
  • Saskatchewan
Shang (2000)
Greengrass et al. (1999)
Japan
 
  • Ishikawa Prefecture
    • Hakusan City
Brandon et al. (2009)
Morocco (TL)
 
  • Drâa-Tafilalet Region
    • Zagora Province
      • Agdz Cercle
        • Tansifte Caïdat
Bull.Soc.fr.Min.Crist. (1968)
Nicaragua
 
  • León Department
    • Telica
      • Telica Volcano
Hynek et al. (2013, March) +1 other reference
South Africa
 
  • Northern Cape
    • John Taolo Gaetsewe District Municipality
      • Joe Morolong Local Municipality
        • N'Chwaning Mines
Cairncross photo ID 729306
Barkley et al. (2011) +1 other reference
USA
 
  • New Mexico
    • Socorro County
      • Ojo Caliente No. 2 Mining District
NMBGMR Open-file Report - 535
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