Likasite
A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered
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About Likasite
View of the Likasi copper mining area, ca. 1935.
Likasi Mine, Likasi, Kambove Territory, Haut-Katanga, DR Congo
Likasi Mine, Likasi, Kambove Territory, Haut-Katanga, DR Congo
Formula:
Cu3(NO3)(OH)5 · 2H2O
Colour:
Sky Blue
Specific Gravity:
2.96 - 2.98
Crystal System:
Orthorhombic
Name:
Named for the type locality.
This page provides mineralogical data about Likasite.
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
2399
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:2399:9
Similar Names
| Lacosite | A rock subtype | |
| Lucasite | A synonym | |
| Lucasite (of Chatard) | A variety of Vermiculite | |
| Lucasite-(Ce) | A valid IMA mineral species | CeTi2(O,OH)6 |
| Lucasite-(La) | A valid IMA mineral species - pending publication |
IMA Classification of Likasite
Approved, 'Grandfathered' (first described prior to 1959)
IMA Formula:
Cu2+3N5+O3(OH)5(H2O)·H2O
First published:
1955
Classification of Likasite
5.ND.05
5 : CARBONATES (NITRATES)
N : NITRATES
D : With OH (etc.) and H2O
5 : CARBONATES (NITRATES)
N : NITRATES
D : With OH (etc.) and H2O
Dana 7th ed.:
19.2.1.1
19.1.5.1
19 : NITRATES CONTAINING HYDROXYL OR HALOGEN
1 : Anhydrous Nitrates Containing Hydroxyl or Halogen
19 : NITRATES CONTAINING HYDROXYL OR HALOGEN
1 : Anhydrous Nitrates Containing Hydroxyl or Halogen
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Lik | 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 Likasite
Transparency:
Transparent
Colour:
Sky Blue
Cleavage:
Perfect
on {001}
on {001}
Density:
2.96 - 2.98 g/cm3 (Measured) 2.97 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Likasite
Type:
Biaxial
RI values:
nα = 1.61 - 1.615 nγ = 1.685 - 1.69
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.075
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:
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:
relatively strong
Pleochroism:
Visible
Comments:
X = Pale greenish blue
Y = Purplish blue
Y = Purplish blue
Comments:
X = a; Z = b.
Chemistry of Likasite
Mindat Formula:
Cu3(NO3)(OH)5 · 2H2O
Element Weights:
Elements listed:
Crystallography of Likasite
Crystal System:
Orthorhombic
Class (H-M):
mmm(2/m2/m2/m) - Dipyramidal
Cell Parameters:
a = 5.830(1) Å, b = 6.775(1) Å, c = 21.711(5) Å
Ratio:
a:b:c = 0.861 : 1 : 3.205
Unit Cell V:
857.55 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
4
Morphology:
Crystals to 1.5mm, rectangular section, tabular on {001}. Additional forms include {010}, {100}, {101}, {012}, {014}, {018}.
Comment:
Space Group: P cmn
Crystal Structure
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Unit Cell | Unit Cell Packed
2x2x2 | 3x3x3 | 4x4x4
Unit Cell | Unit Cell Packed
2x2x2 | 3x3x3 | 4x4x4
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CIF File Best | x | y | z | a | b | c
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Labels
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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) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0014798 | Likasite | Effenberger H (1986) Likasite, Cu3(OH)5(NO3)*2(H2O): Revision of the chemical formula and redetermination of the crystal structure Neues Jahrbuch fur Mineralogie, Monatshefte 1986 101-110 | 1986 | Likasi Mine, Zaire | 0 | 293 |
CIF Raw Data - click here to close
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 5.75 Å | (very very strong) |
| 10.8 Å | (very strong) |
| 2.722 Å | (medium strong) |
| 2.518 Å | (medium strong) |
| 2.168 Å | (medium strong) |
| 3.23 Å | (medium) |
| 3.18 Å | (medium) |
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] |
Geological Setting:
A rare secondary mineral in copper deposits.
Type Occurrence of Likasite
General Appearance of Type Material:
Crystals implanted on cuprite or as blue masses in cuprite.
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
Royal Museum of Central Africa, Tervuren, Belgium, RGM655. National School of Mines, Paris, France; National Museum of Natural History, Washington, D.C., USA, 107463, 112521, 137714
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
Other Language Names for Likasite
Common Associates
Associations Based on Photo Data:
| 9 photos of Likasite associated with Gerhardtite | Cu2(NO3)(OH)3 |
| 8 photos of Likasite associated with Cuprite | Cu2O |
| 3 photos of Likasite associated with Spertiniite | Cu(OH)2 |
| 2 photos of Likasite associated with Chrysocolla | Cu2-xAlx(H2-xSi2O5)(OH)4 · nH2O, x < 1 |
| 2 photos of Likasite associated with Malachite | Cu2(CO3)(OH)2 |
| 2 photos of Likasite associated with Brochantite | Cu4(SO4)(OH)6 |
| 2 photos of Likasite associated with Quartz | SiO2 |
| 1 photo of Likasite associated with Chalcocite | Cu2S |
| 1 photo of Likasite associated with Buttgenbachite | Cu19(NO3)2(OH)32Cl4 · 2H2O |
| 1 photo of Likasite associated with Native Copper | Cu |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 5.ND.10 | Mbobomkulite | (Ni,Cu)Al4((NO3)2,SO4)(OH)12 · 3H2O |
| 5.ND.15 | Hydrombobomkulite | (Ni,Cu)Al4((NO3)2,SO4)(OH)12 · 13-14H2O |
| 5.ND.20 | Sveite | (K3-x◻x)Al8(NO3)6O8Cl4 · nH2O |
| 5.ND.25 | Lislkirchnerite | Pb6Al(OH)8Cl2(NO3)5 · 2H2O |
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 Likasite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-2399.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 Likasite
Reference List:
Schoep, Alfred; Borchert, W.; Kohler, K. (1955) La likasite Cu12(OH)14(NO3)4(PO4)2, nouveau minéral. Bulletin de la Société française de Minéralogie et de Cristallographie, 78 (1). 84-88 doi:10.3406/bulmi.1955.4988
Schoep, Alfred; Borchert, W.; Kohler, K. (1955) La likasite Cu12(OH)14(NO3)4(PO4)2, nouveau minéral. Bulletin de la Société française de Minéralogie et de Cristallographie, 78 (1). 84-88 doi:10.3406/bulmi.1955.4988
Deliens, Michel (1973) La likasite de Likasi (République du Zaïre). Bulletin de la Société française de Minéralogie et de Cristallographie, 96 (2). 143-145 doi:10.3406/bulmi.1973.6796
Declercq, J. P., Germain, G., Piret, P. (1977) Composition et structure de la likasite, Cu3P2H3(NO3) (OH)2.H2O. Acta Crystallographica Section B Structural Crystallography and Crystal Chemistry, 33 (5) 1422-1427 doi:10.1107/s0567740877006219
Fleischer, Michael, Cabri, Louis J. (1978) New mineral names. American Mineralogist, 63 (5-6) 598-600
Localities for Likasite
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.
Australia | |
| Sharpe et al. (2000) |
| Kolitsch et al. (1999) |
Chile | |
| Teck Resources Limited |
DR Congo (TL) | |
| Schoep et al. (1955) +2 other references |
| Deliens (1996) |
France | |
| Handbook of Mineralogy Vol V |
Kazakhstan | |
| Mineralogical Society of America - ... +3 other references |
Portugal | |
| Alves (n.d.) |
Russia | |
| webmineral.ru (2020) |
Spain | |
| Calvo Rebollar (2012) |
UK | |
| Golley et al. (1995) +1 other reference |
USA | |
| Handbook of Mineralogy Vol V |
| Rouse et al. (1982) +1 other reference |
| Travis Olds collection |
| Heinrich et al. (2004) |
Quick NavTopAbout LikasiteUnique IdentifiersSimilar NamesIMA Classification Classification Mineral SymbolsPhysical Properties Optical Data Chemistry Crystallography Crystal StructureX-Ray Powder DiffractionGeological EnvironmentType Occurrence Other LanguagesCommon AssociatesStrunz-MindatOther InformationInternet Links References Localities Locality List
Dzhezkazgan mining district, Karaganda Region, Kazakhstan