Pattersonite
A valid IMA mineral species
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About Pattersonite
Arthur Lindo Patterson
Formula:
PbFe3+3(PO4)2(OH)5 · H2O
Colour:
Dark yellow
Lustre:
Adamantine
Hardness:
4
Specific Gravity:
4.04
Crystal System:
Triclinic
Name:
Named for Arthur Lindo Patterson (23 July 1902, Nelson, New Zealand - 6 November 1966, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA), innovative crystallographer who devised the well-known Patterson method (Patterson function) used in crystal-structure determination. He held British, Canadian, and American citizenship.
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
28951
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:28951:5
Similar Names
| Petersenite-(Ce) | A valid IMA mineral species | Na4(Ce,La,Nd)2(CO3)5 |
IMA Classification of Pattersonite
Approved
IMA Formula:
Pb2+Fe3+3(PO4)2(OH)5(H2O)
Approval year:
2005
First published:
2008
Classification of Pattersonite
8.BL.25
8 : PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, VANADATES
B : Phosphates, etc., with additional anions, without H2O
L : With medium-sized and large cations, (OH, etc.):RO4 = 3:1
8 : PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, VANADATES
B : Phosphates, etc., with additional anions, without H2O
L : With medium-sized and large cations, (OH, etc.):RO4 = 3:1
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Patt | 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 Pattersonite
Adamantine
Transparency:
Translucent
Colour:
Dark yellow
Streak:
Very pale yellow
Hardness:
4 on Mohs scale
Hardness:
VHN100=530(80) - Vickers
Hardness Data:
Measured
Tenacity:
Brittle
Cleavage:
Poor/Indistinct
one poor cleavage of unknown orientation
one poor cleavage of unknown orientation
Fracture:
Conchoidal
Density:
4.04 g/cm3 (Measured) 4.17 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Pattersonite
Type:
Biaxial (-)
RI values:
nα = 1.86(1) nβ = 1.917 nγ = 1.93(1)
2V:
Measured: 50° (5)
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.070
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:
Very strong (r > v)
Pleochroism:
Weak
Comments:
X = nearly colorless to very pale yellow, Y = pale yellow to yellow, Z = yellow to dark yellow (depending on grain size), with Z > Y > X
Chemistry of Pattersonite
Mindat Formula:
PbFe3+3(PO4)2(OH)5 · H2O
Element Weights:
Crystallography of Pattersonite
Crystal System:
Triclinic
Class (H-M):
1 - Pinacoidal
Space Group:
P1
Cell Parameters:
a = 5.309(1) Å, b = 7.211(1) Å, c = 7.349 Å
α = 87.74(3)°, β = 86.38(3)°, γ = 71.40(3)°
α = 87.74(3)°, β = 86.38(3)°, γ = 71.40(3)°
Ratio:
a:b:c = 0.736 : 1 : 1.019
Unit Cell V:
266.06 ų
Z:
1
Morphology:
Tabular (pinacoidal) to platy. Forms include {110} (dominant platy form), {100}, {001} and minor {011}, {0–11}, {–101}. In general, all forms are poorly developed. The crystals are slightly elongated along [001].
Single crystals are rare; it tends to form subparallel to rosette-like intergrowths.
Single crystals are rare; it tends to form subparallel to rosette-like intergrowths.
Twinning:
None observed
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) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0007260 | Pattersonite | Kolitsch U, Bernhardt H-J, Krause W, Blass G (2008) Pattersonite, PbFe3(PO4)2(OH)4[(H2O)0.5(OH)0.5]2, a new supergene phosphate mineral: description and crystal structure European Journal of Mineralogy 20 281-288 | 2008 | Grube Vereinigung, near Eisenbach, Taunus, Hesse, Germany | 0 | 293 |
CIF Raw Data - click here to close
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 4.848 Å | (100) |
| 6.839 Å | (64) |
| 3.547 Å | (57) |
| 3.417 Å | (52) |
| 3.022 Å | (51) |
| 3.667 Å | (47) |
| 2.8339 Å | (45) |
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 Pattersonite
General Appearance of Type Material:
Indistinct tabular (pinacoidal) crystals up to 0.5 mm in size, which tend to form subparallel to rosette-like intergrowths
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
Natural History Museum Vienna, Austria; cat. no. N 8161.
Geological Setting of Type Material:
Supergene mineral in a lead-silver deposit
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
Synonyms of Pattersonite
Other Language Names for Pattersonite
Common Associates
Associations Based on Photo Data:
| 5 photos of Pattersonite associated with 'Limonite' | |
| 3 photos of Pattersonite associated with Pyromorphite | Pb5(PO4)3Cl |
| 2 photos of Pattersonite associated with Goethite | Fe3+O(OH) |
| 1 photo of Pattersonite associated with Kintoreite | PbFe3(PO4)(PO3OH)(OH)6 |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 8.BL. | Kiryuite | NaMnAl(PO4)F3 |
| 8.BL. | Metaheimite | PbCu2(AsO4)(OH)3 |
| 8.BL. | Graulichite-(La) | LaFe3+3(AsO4)2(OH)6 |
| 8.BL. | Cloudite | BaFe3+3(PO4)(SO4)(OH)6 |
| 8.BL. | Oberwolfachite | SrFe3+3(AsO4)(SO4)(OH)6 |
| 8.BL. | Arsenobenauite | SrFe3+3(AsO4)(AsO3OH)(OH)6 |
| 8.BL.05 | Gallobeudantite | PbGa3(AsO4)(SO4)(OH)6 |
| 8.BL.05 | Slottaite | SrFe3+3(PO4)(SO4)(OH)6 |
| 8.BL.05 | Corkite | PbFe3+3(PO4)(SO4)(OH)6 |
| 8.BL.05 | Hidalgoite | PbAl3(AsO4)(SO4)(OH)6 |
| 8.BL.05 | Hinsdalite | PbAl3(PO4)(SO4)(OH)6 |
| 8.BL.05 | 'UM2011-07-POSO:AlBaH' | BaAl3(PO4)(SO4)(OH)6 |
| 8.BL.05 | Kemmlitzite | SrAl3(AsO4)(SO4)(OH)6 |
| 8.BL.05 | Beudantite | PbFe3+3(AsO4)(SO4)(OH)6 |
| 8.BL.05 | Weilerite | BaAl3(AsO4)(SO4)(OH)6 |
| 8.BL.05 | Woodhouseite | CaAl3(PO4)(SO4)(OH)6 |
| 8.BL.05 | Svanbergite | SrAl3(PO4)(SO4)(OH)6 |
| 8.BL.10 | Segnitite | PbFe3+3AsO4(AsO3OH)(OH)6 |
| 8.BL.10 | Arsenogoyazite | SrAl3(AsO4)(AsO3OH)(OH)6 |
| 8.BL.10 | Arsenogorceixite | BaAl3(AsO4)(AsO3OH)(OH)6 |
| 8.BL.10 | Dussertite | BaFe3+3(AsO4)(AsO3OH)(OH)6 |
| 8.BL.10 | Galloplumbogummite | Pb(Ga,Al,Ge)3(PO4)2(OH)6 |
| 8.BL.10 | Stibiosegnitite | Pb(Fe3+2.5Sb5+0.5)(AsO4)2(OH)6 |
| 8.BL.10 va | 'Viséite' | |
| 8.BL.10 | Arsenocrandallite | CaAl3(AsO4)(AsO3OH)(OH)6 |
| 8.BL.10 | Benauite | SrFe3+3(PO4)(PO3OH)(OH)6 |
| 8.BL.10 | Philipsbornite | PbAl3(AsO4)(AsO3OH)(OH)6 |
| 8.BL.10 | Crandallite | CaAl3(PO4)(PO3OH)(OH)6 |
| 8.BL.10 | Springcreekite | BaV3+3(PO4)2(OH,H2O)6 |
| 8.BL.10 | Eylettersite | Th0.75Al3(PO4)2(OH)6 |
| 8.BL.10 | Kintoreite | PbFe3(PO4)(PO3OH)(OH)6 |
| 8.BL.10 | Plumbogummite | PbAl3(PO4)(PO3OH)(OH)6 |
| 8.BL.10 | Gorceixite | BaAl3(PO4)(PO3OH)(OH)6 |
| 8.BL.10 | Goyazite | SrAl3(PO4)(PO3OH)(OH)6 |
| 8.BL.13 | Florencite-(Ce) | CeAl3(PO4)2(OH)6 |
| 8.BL.13 | Florencite-(La) | LaAl3(PO4)2(OH)6 |
| 8.BL.13 | Florencite-(Nd) | NdAl3(PO4)2(OH)6 |
| 8.BL.13 | Zaïrite | BiFe3+3(PO4)2(OH)6 |
| 8.BL.13 | Arsenoflorencite-(La) | LaAl3(AsO4)2(OH)6 |
| 8.BL.13 | 'Arsenoflorencite-(Nd)' | NdAl3(AsO4)2(OH)6 |
| 8.BL.13 | 'Unnamed (As-analogue of Zaïrite)' | (Bi,Pb)Fe3+3(AsO4)2(OH)6 |
| 8.BL.13 | Arsenoflorencite-(Ce) | CeAl3(AsO4)2(OH)6 |
| 8.BL.13 | Graulichite-(Ce) | CeFe3+3(AsO4)2(OH)6 |
| 8.BL.13 | 'Arsenowaylandite' | BiAl3(AsO4)2(OH)6 |
| 8.BL.13 | Waylandite | BiAl3(PO4)2(OH)6 |
| 8.BL.13 | Florencite-(Sm) | SmAl3(PO4)2(OH)6 |
| 8.BL.15 | Viitaniemiite | Na(Ca,Mn2+)Al(PO4)(F,OH)3 |
Fluorescence of Pattersonite
none
Other Information
Notes:
Insoluble in cold 1:1 HCl.
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 Pattersonite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-28951.html
Please feel free to link to this page.
Please feel free to link to this page.
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References for Pattersonite
Localities for Pattersonite
Showing 2 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.
Germany (TL) | |
| Kolitsch et al. (2008) +1 other reference |
| Golze et al. (2013) |
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Vereinigung Mine, Eisenbach, Selters, Limburg-Weilburg, Giessen Region, Hesse, Germany