Kolwezite
A valid IMA mineral species
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About Kolwezite
Formula:
CuCo(CO3)(OH)2
Colour:
Black, brown, beige, pale beige, greenish
Hardness:
4
Specific Gravity:
3.97
Crystal System:
Triclinic
Member of:
Type Locality:
This page provides mineralogical data about Kolwezite.
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
2243
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:2243:5
IMA Classification of Kolwezite
Approved
IMA Formula:
Cu2+Co2+CO3(OH)2
Approval year:
1979
First published:
1980
Classification of Kolwezite
5.BA.10
5 : CARBONATES (NITRATES)
B : Carbonates with additional anions, without H2O
A : With Cu, Co, Ni, Zn, Mg, Mn
5 : CARBONATES (NITRATES)
B : Carbonates with additional anions, without H2O
A : With Cu, Co, Ni, Zn, Mg, Mn
16a.3.1.7
16a : ANHYDROUS CARBONATES CONTAINING HYDROXYL OR HALOGEN
3 : (AB)2(XO3)Zq
16a : ANHYDROUS CARBONATES CONTAINING HYDROXYL OR HALOGEN
3 : (AB)2(XO3)Zq
11.14.2
11 : Carbonates
14 : Carbonates of Co and Ni
11 : Carbonates
14 : Carbonates of Co and Ni
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Kwz | IMA–CNMNC | Warr, L.N. (2021). IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols. Mineralogical Magazine, 85(3), 291-320. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43 |
Pronunciation of Kolwezite
Pronunciation:
| Play | Recorded by | Country |
|---|---|---|
| Jolyon Ralph | United Kingdom |
Physical Properties of Kolwezite
Transparency:
Translucent
Colour:
Black, brown, beige, pale beige, greenish
Streak:
Beige
Hardness:
4 on Mohs scale
Density:
3.97(1) g/cm3 (Measured) 3.94 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Kolwezite
Type:
Biaxial
RI values:
nα = 1.688(2) nγ = 1.90
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.212
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
Dispersion:
r > v weak
Chemistry of Kolwezite
Mindat Formula:
CuCo(CO3)(OH)2
Element Weights:
Crystallography of Kolwezite
Crystal System:
Triclinic
Cell Parameters:
a = 9.50 Å, b = 12.15 Å, c = 3.189 Å
α = 93.32°, β = 90.74°, γ = 91.47°
α = 93.32°, β = 90.74°, γ = 91.47°
Ratio:
a:b:c = 0.782 : 1 : 0.262
Unit Cell V:
367.31 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
4
Morphology:
spherical aggregates, to 1 cm, and microcrystalline crusts.
Comment:
Point Group: 1 or 1; Space Group: P1 or P1.
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 6.04 Å | (80) |
| 5.08 Å | (80) |
| 3.70 Å | (100) |
| 2.956 Å | (50) |
| 2.591 Å | (80) |
| 2.535 Å | (50) |
| 1.109 Å | (50) |
| 3.02 Å | (40) |
| 2.338 Å | (40) |
| 1.289 Å | (40) |
| 2.141 Å | (30) |
| 1.741 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] | |
| 47c : [Carbonates, phosphates, borates, nitrates] |
Type Occurrence of Kolwezite
General Appearance of Type Material:
Nodules (1-10 mm) and microcrystalline crusts.
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
1) Royal Museum of Central Africa, Tervuren, Belgium, RMG12975.
2) National Museum of Natural History, Washington, D.C., USA, R17228.
2) National Museum of Natural History, Washington, D.C., USA, R17228.
Geological Setting of Type Material:
Oxidized zone of a Cu-Co deposit
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
Synonyms of Kolwezite
Other Language Names for Kolwezite
Relationship of Kolwezite to other Species
Member of:
Other Members of Malachite-Rosasite Group:
| Chukanovite | Fe2+2(CO3)(OH)2 | Mon. 2/m : P21/b |
| Glaukosphaerite | (Cu,Ni)2(CO3)(OH)2 | Mon. 2/m : P21/b |
| Malachite | Cu2(CO3)(OH)2 | Mon. 2/m : P21/b |
| Mcguinnessite | (Mg,Cu)2(CO3)(OH)2 | Mon. 2/m |
| Nullaginite | Ni2(CO3)(OH)2 | Mon. 2/m : P21/b |
| Parádsasvárite | Zn2(CO3)(OH)2 | Mon. 2/m : P21/b |
| Perchiazziite | Co2(CO3)(OH)2 | Mon. 2/m : P21/b |
| Pokrovskite | Mg2(CO3)(OH)2 | Mon. 2/m : P21/b |
| Rosasite | (Cu,Zn)2(CO3)(OH)2 | Mon. 2/m : P21/b |
| Zincrosasite | (Zn,Cu)2(CO3)(OH)2 | Mon. |
Common Associates
Associations Based on Photo Data:
| 71 photos of Kolwezite associated with 'Cobalt-bearing Calcite' | (Ca,Co)CO3 |
| 27 photos of Kolwezite associated with 'Cobalt-bearing Dolomite' | Ca(Mg,Co)(CO3)2 |
| 13 photos of Kolwezite associated with Malachite | Cu2(CO3)(OH)2 |
| 12 photos of Kolwezite associated with Calcite | CaCO3 |
| 6 photos of Kolwezite associated with Heterogenite | Co3+O(OH) |
| 4 photos of Kolwezite associated with 'Manganese-bearing Calcite' | (Ca,Mn)CO3 |
| 4 photos of Kolwezite associated with Spherocobaltite | CoCO3 |
| 4 photos of Kolwezite associated with Chrysocolla | Cu2-xAlx(H2-xSi2O5)(OH)4 · nH2O, x < 1 |
| 3 photos of Kolwezite associated with Plancheite | Cu8(Si8O22)(OH)4 · H2O |
| 3 photos of Kolwezite associated with Quartz | SiO2 |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 5.BA.05 | Azurite | Cu3(CO3)2(OH)2 |
| 5.BA.10 | Mcguinnessite | (Mg,Cu)2(CO3)(OH)2 |
| 5.BA.10 | Zincrosasite | (Zn,Cu)2(CO3)(OH)2 |
| 5.BA.10 | Parádsasvárite | Zn2(CO3)(OH)2 |
| 5.BA.10 | Rosasite | (Cu,Zn)2(CO3)(OH)2 |
| 5.BA.10 | Nullaginite | Ni2(CO3)(OH)2 |
| 5.BA.10 | Georgeite | [Cu(OH)2-x(H2O)x][CO3]x/2 |
| 5.BA.10 | Glaukosphaerite | (Cu,Ni)2(CO3)(OH)2 |
| 5.BA.10 | Pokrovskite | Mg2(CO3)(OH)2 |
| 5.BA.10 | Chukanovite | Fe2+2(CO3)(OH)2 |
| 5.BA.10 | Malachite | Cu2(CO3)(OH)2 |
| 5.BA.10 | Perchiazziite | Co2(CO3)(OH)2 |
| 5.BA.15 | Aurichalcite | (Zn,Cu)5(CO3)2(OH)6 |
| 5.BA.15 | Hydrozincite | Zn5(CO3)2(OH)6 |
| 5.BA.20 | Holdawayite | Mn6(CO3)2(OH)7(Cl,OH) |
| 5.BA.25 | 'UM1977-03-COSiO:CaClH' | Ca10-11(CO3)7(SiO4)Cl1-2(OH)1-2 |
| 5.BA.25 | Defernite | Ca6(CO3)1.58(Si2O7)0.21(OH)7[Cl0.50(OH)0.08(H2O)0.42] |
| 5.BA.30 | Sclarite | Zn7(CO3)2(OH)10 |
| 5.BA.30 | Loseyite | (Mn2+,Zn,Mg)4Zn3(CO3)2(OH)10 |
Other Information
IR Spectrum:
Very similar to that of rosasite and somewhat similar to that of glaukosphaerite.
Thermal Behaviour:
A small endothermic break at 110°, a large one at 425° (loss of CO2), and a small one at 560°C (conversion of Co2O3 to Co3O4).
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 Kolwezite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-2243.html
Please feel free to link to this page.
Please feel free to link to this page.
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Mineral Dealers:
References for Kolwezite
Reference List:
Deliens, Michel, Piret, Paul (1980) La kolwésite, un hydrocarbonate de cuivre et de cobalt analogue à la glaukosphaérite et à la rosasite. Bulletin de Minéralogie, 103 (2) 179-184 doi:10.3406/bulmi.1980.7394
Fleischer, M., Cabri, L. J., Chao, G. Y., Pabst, A. (1980) New mineral names. American Mineralogist, 65 (9-10). 1065-1070
Deliens, Michel, Piret, Paul (1980) La kolwésite, un hydrocarbonate de cuivre et de cobalt analogue à la glaukosphaérite et à la rosasite. Bulletin de Minéralogie, 103 (2) 179-184 doi:10.3406/bulmi.1980.7394
Perchiazzi, Natale; Merlino, Stefano (2006) The malachite-rosasite group: crystal structures of glaukosphaerite and pokrovskite. European Journal of Mineralogy, 18 (6). 787-792 doi:10.1127/0935-1221/2006/0018-0787(with comments on probable structure of kolwezite)
Frost, Ray L. (2006) A Raman spectroscopic study of selected minerals of the rosasite group. Journal of Raman Spectroscopy, 37 (9) 910-921 doi:10.1002/jrs.1521
Frost, R. L., Wain, D. L., Martens, W. N., Reddy, B. J. (2007) The molecular structure of selected minerals of the rosasite group–an XRD, SEM and infrared spectroscopic study. Polyhedron, 26 (2) 275-283 doi:10.1016/j.poly.2006.05.046
Frost, Ray L., Wain, Daria L., Martens, Wayde N., Reddy, B. Jagannadha (2007) Vibrational spectroscopy of selected minerals of the rosasite group. Spectrochimica Acta Part A: Molecular and Biomolecular Spectroscopy, 66 (4) 1068-1074 doi:10.1016/j.saa.2006.04.042
Frost, Ray L., Reddy, B. Jagannadha, Wain, Daria L., Martens, Wayde N. (2007) Identification of the rosasite group minerals—An application of near infrared spectroscopy. Spectrochimica Acta Part A: Molecular and Biomolecular Spectroscopy, 66 (4) 1075-1081 doi:10.1016/j.saa.2006.04.043
Barton, I. F., Yang, H., Barton, M. D. (2014) The mineralogy, geochemistry, and metallurgy of cobalt in the rhombohedral carbonates. The Canadian Mineralogist, 52 (4) 653-670 doi:10.3749/canmin.1400006
Hazen, Robert M., Hystad, Grethe, Golden, Joshua J., Hummer, Daniel R., Liu, Chao, Downs, Robert T., Morrison, Shaunna M., Ralph, Jolyon, Grew, Edward S. (2017) Cobalt mineral ecology. American Mineralogist, 102 (1) 108-116 doi:10.2138/am-2017-5798
Perchiazzi, Natale, Dragone, Roberto, Demitri, Nicola, Vignola, Pietro, Biagioni, Cristian (2018) Incorporation of Co in the rosasite–malachite carbonate group of minerals: crystal structure studies of kolwezite and synthetic cobaltoan malachites. European Journal of Mineralogy, 30 (3) 609-620 doi:10.1127/ejm/2018/0030-2743
Localities for Kolwezite
Showing 15 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.
DR Congo | |
| De Bondt (n.d.) |
| MIM Museum collection |
| Herve Osana photo |
| Gauthier et al. (1999) | |
| Gauthier et al. (1999) | |
| |
| Deliens et al. (1980) +2 other references |
| Lhoest et al. (1991) |
| De Bondt (n.d.) | |
| De Bondt (n.d.) | |
Germany | |
| Schnorrer-Köhler (1991) |
Greece | |
| Schnorrer (1995) +1 other reference |
Italy | |
| Castellaro-Kampf |
| Anthony R Kampf |
USA | |
| Williams (1982) |
Quick NavTopAbout KolweziteUnique IdentifiersIMA Classification Classification Mineral SymbolsPronunciation Physical Properties Optical Data Chemistry Crystallography X-Ray Powder DiffractionGeological EnvironmentType Occurrence SynonymsOther LanguagesRelationshipsCommon AssociatesStrunz-MindatOther InformationInternet Links References Localities Locality List
Musonoi Mine, Kolwezi, Mutshatsha, Lualaba, DR Congo