Elyite
A valid IMA mineral species
This page is currently not sponsored. Click here to sponsor this page.
About Elyite
Formula:
Pb4Cu(SO4)O2(OH)4 · H2O
Colour:
Purple
Lustre:
Silky
Hardness:
2
Specific Gravity:
6
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Name:
Named for John H. Ely, an important figure in early mining history of eastern Nevada.
This page provides mineralogical data about Elyite.
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
1371
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:1371:6
Similar Names
IMA Classification of Elyite
Approved
IMA Formula:
Cu2+Pb2+4(S6+O4)O2(OH)4·H2O
Approval year:
1971
Classification of Elyite
7.DF.65
7 : SULFATES (selenates, tellurates, chromates, molybdates, wolframates)
D : Sulfates (selenates, etc.) with additional anions, with H2O
F : With large and medium-sized cations
7 : SULFATES (selenates, tellurates, chromates, molybdates, wolframates)
D : Sulfates (selenates, etc.) with additional anions, with H2O
F : With large and medium-sized cations
Dana 7th ed.:
30.1.2.1
30.1.2.1
30 : ANHYDROUS SULFATES CONTAINING HYDROXYL OR HALOGEN
1 : (AB)m(XO4)pZq, where m:p>2:1
30 : ANHYDROUS SULFATES CONTAINING HYDROXYL OR HALOGEN
1 : (AB)m(XO4)pZq, where m:p>2:1
25.7.7
25 : Sulphates
7 : Sulphates of Pb
25 : Sulphates
7 : Sulphates of Pb
Mineral Symbols
As of 2021 there are now IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols (abbreviations) for each mineral species, useful for tables and diagrams.
| Symbol | Source | Reference for Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Ely | IMA–CNMNC | Warr, L.N. (2021). IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols. Mineralogical Magazine, 85(3), 291-320. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43 |
Physical Properties of Elyite
Silky
Transparency:
Transparent
Colour:
Purple
Streak:
Pale violet to white
Hardness:
2 on Mohs scale
Tenacity:
Sectile
Cleavage:
Distinct/Good
(001) good
(001) good
Density:
6 g/cm3 (Measured) 6.232 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Elyite
Type:
Biaxial (-)
RI values:
nα = 1.990 nβ = 1.993 nγ = 1.994
2V:
Measured: 66° , Calculated: 58°
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.004
Based on recorded range of RI values above.
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.
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).
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 biaxial acute bisectrix (Bxa) interference figure
- the conoscopic view for a grain cut perpendicular to the acute bisectrix, using
this mineral's 2V. The two small white dots mark the melatopes - the points
where the two optic axes emerge - and are shown only when they fall within the
field of view. The coloured bands are isochromatics, and the dark bands are
isogyres.
Rotate the stage: at 0°/90° the isogyres form a cross through the melatopes; at 45° they pull apart into curved hyperbolas. That splitting on rotation - absent in a uniaxial figure - is the standard diagnostic test for telling biaxial minerals from uniaxial ones. If 2V is large, the melatopes may fall outside the field of view, as they often do at the microscope too.
Rotate the stage: at 0°/90° the isogyres form a cross through the melatopes; at 45° they pull apart into curved hyperbolas. That splitting on rotation - absent in a uniaxial figure - is the standard diagnostic test for telling biaxial minerals from uniaxial ones. If 2V is large, the melatopes may fall outside the field of view, as they often do at the microscope too.
Dispersion:
r > v
Pleochroism:
Visible
Comments:
Deep to pale purple.
Chemistry of Elyite
Mindat Formula:
Pb4Cu(SO4)O2(OH)4 · H2O
Element Weights:
Crystallography of Elyite
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Class (H-M):
2/m - Prismatic
Space Group:
P21/b
Setting:
P21/c
Cell Parameters:
a = 14.233(2) Å, b = 11.532(1) Å, c = 14.611(1) Å
β = 100.45(2)°
β = 100.45(2)°
Ratio:
a:b:c = 1.234 : 1 : 1.267
Unit Cell V:
2358.4 ų
Z:
8
Twinning:
Mirror twinning on (100)
Crystal Structure
Load
Unit Cell | Unit Cell Packed
2x2x2 | 3x3x3 | 4x4x4
Unit Cell | Unit Cell Packed
2x2x2 | 3x3x3 | 4x4x4
Show
Big Balls | Small Balls | Just Balls | Spacefill
Polyhedra Off | Si Polyhedra | All Polyhedra
Remove metal-metal sticks
Big Balls | Small Balls | Just Balls | Spacefill
Polyhedra Off | Si Polyhedra | All Polyhedra
Remove metal-metal sticks
Display Options
Black Background | White Background
Perspective On | Perspective Off
2D | Stereo | Red-Blue | Red-Cyan
Black Background | White Background
Perspective On | Perspective Off
2D | Stereo | Red-Blue | Red-Cyan
View
CIF File Best | x | y | z | a | b | c
CIF File Best | x | y | z | a | b | c
Rotation
Stop | Start
Stop | Start
Labels
Console Off | On | Grey | Yellow
Console Off | On | Grey | Yellow
Data courtesy of the American Mineralogist Crystal Structure Database. Click on an AMCSD ID to view structure
| ID | Species | Reference | Link | Year | Locality | Pressure (GPa) | Temp (K) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0002598 | Elyite | Kolitsch U, Giester G (2000) Elyite, Pb4Cu(SO4)O2(OH)4.H2O: Crystal structure and new data American Mineralogist 85 1816-1821 |  | 2000 | 0 | 293 |
CIF Raw Data - click here to close
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 7.00 Å | (100) |
| 7.19 Å | (99) |
| 2.995 Å | (73) |
| 2.884 Å | (37) |
| 3.136 Å | (32) |
| 3.341 Å | (31) |
| 3.047 Å | (30) |
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| Stage 7: Great Oxidation Event | <2.4 |
| 47a : [Near-surface hydration of prior minerals] | |
| 47b : [Sulfates and sulfites] | |
| Stage 10b: Anthropogenic minerals | <10 Ka |
| 55 : Anthropogenic mine minerals | |
| 56 : Slag and smelter minerals (see also #51 and #55) |
Geological Setting:
Slag product.
Type Occurrence of Elyite
General Appearance of Type Material:
Light violet prismatic crystals.
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
The Natural History Museum, London, England, 1972,193.
Geological Setting of Type Material:
Voids in oxidizing Lead-Copper-Zinc sulfide ores.
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
Synonyms of Elyite
Other Language Names for Elyite
Common Associates
Associations Based on Photo Data:
| 15 photos of Elyite associated with Caledonite | Pb5Cu2(SO4)3(CO3)(OH)6 |
| 10 photos of Elyite associated with Chenite | Pb4Cu(SO4)2(OH)6 |
| 9 photos of Elyite associated with Cerussite | PbCO3 |
| 7 photos of Elyite associated with Anglesite | PbSO4 |
| 7 photos of Elyite associated with Leadhillite | Pb4(CO3)2(SO4)(OH)2 |
| 5 photos of Elyite associated with Lanarkite | Pb2(SO4)O |
| 4 photos of Elyite associated with Blueridgeite | [Pb8Zn3Cu2+(OH)16](SO4)2(S2O3)2 · 2H2O |
| 4 photos of Elyite associated with Minium | Pb3O4 |
| 4 photos of Elyite associated with Linarite | PbCu(SO4)(OH)2 |
| 4 photos of Elyite associated with Bechererite | Zn7Cu(OH)13[(SiO(OH)3(SO4)] |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 7.DF. | Siligiite | [Pb(H2O)5(SO4)][Zn9(OH)18] |
| 7.DF. | Alcaparrosaite | K3Ti4+Fe3+(SO4)4O(H2O)2 |
| 7.DF. | Flaggite | Pb4Cu2+4Te6+2(SO4)2O11(OH)2(H2O) |
| 7.DF. | Bairdite | Pb2Cu2+4Te6+2O10(OH)2(SO4) · H2O |
| 7.DF. | Tzeferisite | CaZn8(SO4)2(OH)12Cl2(H2O)9 |
| 7.DF. | Cherokeeite | [Pb2Zn(OH)4](SO4) · H2O |
| 7.DF. | Ammoniomathesiusite | (NH4)5(UO2)4(SO4)4(VO5) · 4H2O |
| 7.DF. | Sigogglinite | [Pb6Zn(OH)8]2(SO4)6 · (H2O)8-x |
| 7.DF.X | Blueridgeite | [Pb8Zn3Cu2+(OH)16](SO4)2(S2O3)2 · 2H2O |
| 7.DF. | Erssonite | Mg7Fe3+2(OH)18[Ca(H2O)6](SO4)2 · 12H2O |
| 7.DF. | Poellmannite | Ca6Al3(OH)18[Na(H2O)6](SO4)2 · 6H2O |
| 7.DF. | Carlsonite | (NH4)5Fe3+3O(SO4)6 · 7H2O |
| 7.DF. | Cuprocherokeeite | [Pb8Zn3Cu2+(OH)16](SO4)4 · 4H2O |
| 7.DF. | Haywoodite | [Pb(H2O)10][Zn12(OH)20(H2O)(SO4)3] |
| 7.DF. | Chromschieffelinite | Pb10Te6+6O20(OH)14(CrO4)(H2O)5 |
| 7.DF.05 | Uklonskovite | NaMg(SO4)F · 2H2O |
| 7.DF.10 | Kainite | KMg(SO4)Cl · 3H2O |
| 7.DF.10 | Kaliochalcite | KCu2(SO4)2[(OH)(H2O)] |
| 7.DF.15 | Natrochalcite | NaCu2(SO4)2(OH) · 2H2O |
| 7.DF.17 | Genplesite | Ca3Sn(SO4)2(OH)6 · 3H2O |
| 7.DF.17 | 'Unnamed (Ba-Sb Silicate-Sulphate-Hydroxide-Hydrate)' | Ba3Sb5+[(Si,S)O3(OH)]2(OH,O)6 · 3H2O |
| 7.DF.20 | Sideronatrite | Na2Fe(SO4)2(OH) · 3H2O |
| 7.DF.20 | Metasideronatrite | Na2Fe(SO4)2(OH) · H2O |
| 7.DF.25 | Fleischerite | Pb3Ge(SO4)2(OH)6 · 3H2O |
| 7.DF.25 | Mallestigite | Pb3Sb5+(SO4)(AsO4)(OH)6 · 3H2O |
| 7.DF.25 | Schaurteite | Ca3Ge(SO4)2(OH)6 · 4H2O |
| 7.DF.25 | Despujolsite | Ca3Mn4+(SO4)2(OH)6 · 3H2O |
| 7.DF.30 | Slavíkite | (H3O+)3Mg6Fe15(SO4)21(OH)18 · 98H2O |
| 7.DF.35 | Metavoltine | K2Na6Fe2+Fe3+6O2(SO4)12 · 18H2O |
| 7.DF.40 | Lannonite | Mg2Ca4Al4(SO4)8F8 · 24H2O |
| 7.DF.40 | Vlodavetsite | AlCa2(SO4)2F2Cl · 4H2O |
| 7.DF.45 | Peretaite | Ca(SbO)4(SO4)2(OH)2 · 2H2O |
| 7.DF.50 | Gordaite | NaZn4(SO4)(OH)6Cl · 6H2O |
| 7.DF.50 | Calamaite | Na2TiO(SO4)2 · 2H2O |
| 7.DF.52 | Huizingite-(Al) | [(NH4)9(SO4)2][(Al,Fe3+)3(OH)2(H2O)4(SO4)6] |
| 7.DF.52 | Scordariite | K8(Fe3+0.67◻0.33)[Fe3+3O(SO4)6]2 · 14H2O |
| 7.DF.55 | Clairite | (NH4)2Fe3(SO4)4(OH)3 · 3H2O |
| 7.DF.55 | Giacovazzoite | K5Fe3+3O(SO4)6 · 10H2O |
| 7.DF.57 | Magnanelliite | K3Fe3+2(SO4)4(OH)(H2O)2 |
| 7.DF.60 | Arzrunite | Cu4Pb2(SO4)(OH)4Cl6 · 2H2O (?) |
| 7.DF.60 | Evdokimovite | Tl4(VO)3(SO4)5(H2O)5 |
| 7.DF.62 | Bridgesite-(Ce) | CaCe2Cu6(SO4)4(OH)12 · 8H2O |
| 7.DF.70 | Yecoraite | Fe3+3Bi5(Te6+O4)2(Te4+O3)O9 · 9H2O |
| 7.DF.70 | Lautenthalite | PbCu4(SO4)2(OH)6 · 3H2O |
| 7.DF.75 | Riomarinaite | Bi(SO4)(OH) · H2O |
| 7.DF.80 | Dukeite | Bi3+24Cr6+8O57(OH)6 · 3H2O |
Fluorescence of Elyite
None
Other Information
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 Elyite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-1371.html
Please feel free to link to this page.
Please feel free to link to this page.
Search Engines:
External Links:
Mineral Dealers:
References for Elyite
Reference List:
Williams, Sidney A. (1972) Elyite, basic lead-copper sulfate, a new mineral from Nevada. American Mineralogist, 57 (3-4) 364-367
Jambor, John L., Roberts, Andrew C. (1998) New mineral names. American Mineralogist, 83 (3-4) 400-403
Localities for Elyite
Showing 103 localities.
symbol to view information about a locality.
The Locality List
- 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).
All localities listed without proper references should be considered as questionable.
Australia | |
| M. Latham Collection 2011 |
Austria | |
| Kolitsch et al. (2013) |
| Blaß et al. (1997) |
| Exel (1993) |
| Strasser (1989) |
| Neschen (n.d.) +1 other reference | |
| Schebesta (Autoren) +1 other reference | |
| Schebesta (1992) |
| Kolitsch (2013) |
Belgium | |
| |
| Leon Hupperichs collection +1 other reference |
| |
France | |
| Boisson et al. (2000) |
| P.G. PELISSON (pelisson@inist.fr) |
| Vernay (1997) +1 other reference |
| Vessely Collection |
| P. Le Roch collection |
| Pierre Le Roch Collection |
| Germain C. et al. (1990) +1 other reference |
| Jeannot WOLFF collection. |
| J. Wolf collection |
| Wittern et al. (1997) |
| Favreau et al. (2003) |
| Leconte J. et al. (2016) |
| Jean Claude Dol |
| Lheur et al. (1998) |
Germany | |
| Weiß (1990) |
| S Wolfsried collection +2 other references |
| Weiß (1990) |
| Weiß (1990) |
| Weiß (1990) |
| Walenta (1996) |
| [Wittern (1995) |
| [Wittern (1995) |
| Kolitsch (1997) +3 other references |
| Walenta (1992) | |
| Walenta (1992) |
| Wittern (2001) |
| Weiß (1990) |
| Collection Gerhard Niceus |
| Gröbner et al. (2009) | |
| Wittern et al. (1986) |
| "Lithothek" collection of the ... | |
| - (n.d.) |
| |
| Elyite crystalIs found it in Sept 2012 |
| van den Berg et al. (1990) |
| Weiß (1990) |
| Wittern (2001) |
| Stieglitz et al. (1989) |
| Bender et al. (1994) +1 other reference |
| Heckmann et al. (1990) |
| Ko Jansen |
| Blaß et al. (1995) | |
| Blaß et al. (1995) | |
| Blaß et al. (1995) |
| Weiß (1990) |
| Schnorrer-Köhler (1988) |
| Graf (1991) |
| Graf (1991) | |
| Schnorrer-Köhler (1988) +2 other references |
| Weiß (1990) |
| 58 (in German) +1 other reference |
| Gerhard Möhn Collection Analyzed by ... |
| Neschen (n.d.) |
| Knoll (2004) |
| Knoll (2004) | |
Greece | |
| Fritz Schreiber collection +1 other reference |
| Wendel et al. (1999) |
| van Kalmthout (2012) | |
Italy | |
| Marco E. Ciriotti et al. (2025) |
| Jansen et al. (1998) |
| Int. Assoc. of Collectors of Slag Minerals (2) |
| www.comune.pisa.it (2000) | |
| Jansen et al. (1998) |
| Cerutti et al. (1995) |
| Luigi Chiappino data |
Japan | |
| Miyawaki et al. (1997) +1 other reference |
Namibia | |
| Gebhard (1999) |
South Africa | |
| Cairncross et al. (1995) |
Spain | |
| Calvo Rebollar (2014) |
UK | |
| BMS Newsletter 79 (http://britishmicromountsociety.homestead.com/Gannell-Smelter.html) |
| De Nul (2005) |
| Norman Wilson collection +1 other reference |
| Norman Wilson collection |
| Norman Wilson personal collection +1 other reference | |
| |
| - (2006) +1 other reference |
| Briscoe (1986) +2 other references |
| Stanley et al. (1991) | |
| Kemp et al. (2016) |
| Green (1987) +2 other references |
| S. Rust collection. | |
| Ex-S Rust collection | |
| Ex-S Rust collection | |
| S. Rust collection. +1 other reference |
| Rust et al. (1988) |
| Ex-S Rust collection |
| Green et al. (1996) +2 other references |
| National Museum of Wales database +1 other reference |
USA (TL) | |
| Am Min 57:3 pp 364-367 |
| Jason B. Smith visual I.D To follow up on Jason (Steve Adams) |
| A. Kampf or C. Emproto PXRD and/EDS ... |
Quick NavTopAbout ElyiteUnique IdentifiersSimilar NamesIMA Classification Classification Mineral SymbolsPhysical Properties Optical Data Chemistry Crystallography Crystal StructureX-Ray Powder DiffractionGeological EnvironmentType Occurrence SynonymsOther LanguagesCommon AssociatesStrunz-MindatFluorescence Other InformationInternet Links References Localities Locality List
Bréziès, Asprières, Villefranche-de-Rouergue, Aveyron, Occitanie, France