Paradamite
A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered
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About Paradamite
Formula:
Zn2(AsO4)(OH)
Colour:
Pale yellow
Lustre:
Vitreous, Sub-Vitreous, Resinous
Hardness:
3½
Specific Gravity:
4.55
Crystal System:
Triclinic
Member of:
Name:
Named in 1956 by George Switzer from the Greek παρα for "near", para-, and Adamite in allusion to its polymorphic relationship to that species.
Type Locality:
Dimorph of:
Isostructural with:
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
3086
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:3086:7
IMA Classification of Paradamite
Approved, 'Grandfathered' (first described prior to 1959)
IMA Formula:
Zn2+2As5+O4(OH)
First published:
1956
Classification of Paradamite
8.BB.35
8 : PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, VANADATES
B : Phosphates, etc., with additional anions, without H2O
B : With only medium-sized cations, (OH, etc.):RO4 about 1:1
8 : PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, VANADATES
B : Phosphates, etc., with additional anions, without H2O
B : With only medium-sized cations, (OH, etc.):RO4 about 1:1
41.6.7.2
41 : ANHYDROUS PHOSPHATES, ETC.CONTAINING HYDROXYL OR HALOGEN
6 : A2(XO4)Zq
41 : ANHYDROUS PHOSPHATES, ETC.CONTAINING HYDROXYL OR HALOGEN
6 : A2(XO4)Zq
20.3.2
20 : Arsenates (also arsenates with phosphate, but without other anions)
3 : Arsenates of Zn, Cd or Hg
20 : Arsenates (also arsenates with phosphate, but without other anions)
3 : Arsenates of Zn, Cd or Hg
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Prd | 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 Paradamite
Vitreous, Sub-Vitreous, Resinous
Transparency:
Transparent, Translucent
Colour:
Pale yellow
Streak:
White
Hardness:
3½ on Mohs scale
Hardness Data:
Estimated
Tenacity:
Brittle
Cleavage:
Perfect
{010}
{010}
Density:
4.55 g/cm3 (Measured) 4.595 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Paradamite
Type:
Biaxial (-)
RI values:
nα = 1.726 nβ = 1.771 nγ = 1.780
2V:
Measured: 50° , Calculated: 46°
Birefringence:
0.054
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.054
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:
relatively strong
Optical Extinction:
inclined
Pleochroism:
Non-pleochroic
Chemistry of Paradamite
Mindat Formula:
Zn2(AsO4)(OH)
Element Weights:
Elements listed:
Crystallography of Paradamite
Crystal System:
Triclinic
Class (H-M):
1 - Pinacoidal
Space Group:
P1
Cell Parameters:
a = 5.638(3) Å, b = 5.827(3) Å, c = 6.692(2) Å
α = 103.25(4)°, β = 104.37(3)°, γ = 87.72(4)°
α = 103.25(4)°, β = 104.37(3)°, γ = 87.72(4)°
Ratio:
a:b:c = 0.968 : 1 : 1.148
Unit Cell V:
207.27 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
2
Morphology:
Individual steeply angular, platy to prismatic, isolated crystals are usual, but may be rounded or occur in sheaf-like globular aggregates showing acute terminations. Crystals striated on {001} and {100}, but not on {010}. This mineral does not visually closely resemble its namesake, adamite.
Crystal Structure
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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) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0020669 | Paradamite | Jinnouchi S, Yoshiasa A, Sugiyama K, Shimura R, Arima H, Momma H, Miyawaki R (2016) Crystal structure refinements of legrandite, adamite, and paradamite: The complex structure and characteristic hydrogen bonding network of legrandite Journal of Mineralogical and Petrological Sciences 111 35-43 | 2016 | Ojuela Mine, Mapimi, Durango, Mexico | 0 | 293 | |
| 0019266 | Paradamite | Hawthorne F C (1979) Paradamite Acta Crystallographica B35 720-722 |  | 1979 | Mapimi, Mexico | 0 | 293 |
| 0000780 | Paradamite | Bennett T J (1980) Crystal structure of paradamite American Mineralogist 65 353-354 |  | 1980 | 0 | 293 |
CIF Raw Data - click here to close
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Loading XRD data...
Data courtesy of RRUFF project at University of Arizona, used with permission.
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 6.32 Å | (70) |
| 5.46 Å | (50) |
| 3.70 Å | (100) |
| 2.99 Å | (100) |
| 2.84 Å | (100) |
| 2.57 Å | (50) |
| 2.51 Å | (50) |
| 2.48 Å | (70) |
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| Stage 7: Great Oxidation Event | <2.4 |
| 47a : [Near-surface hydration of prior minerals] | |
| 47d : [Arsenates, antimonates, selenates, bismuthinates] | |
| Stage 10b: Anthropogenic minerals | <10 Ka |
| 56 : Slag and smelter minerals (see also #51 and #55) |
Type Occurrence of Paradamite
General Appearance of Type Material:
Sheaflike aggregates of crystals and as somewhat rounded and striated equant crystals up to 5 mm in size.
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
The Natural History Museum, London, England, number 1969,184.
Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA, number 106376.
National Museum of Natural History, Washington, D.C., USA, numbers R9492, 106378, 107443, 112518, 125506.
Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA, number 106376.
National Museum of Natural History, Washington, D.C., USA, numbers R9492, 106378, 107443, 112518, 125506.
Geological Setting of Type Material:
Oxidized zone of a polymetallic ore deposit.
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
Other Language Names for Paradamite
Relationship of Paradamite to other Species
Common Associates
Associations Based on Photo Data:
| 27 photos of Paradamite associated with Legrandite | Zn2(AsO4)(OH) · H2O |
| 8 photos of Paradamite associated with Adamite | Zn2(AsO4)(OH) |
| 5 photos of Paradamite associated with Smithsonite | ZnCO3 |
| 3 photos of Paradamite associated with Hydrozincite | Zn5(CO3)2(OH)6 |
| 3 photos of Paradamite associated with Ojuelaite | ZnFe3+2(AsO4)2(OH)2 · 4H2O |
| 3 photos of Paradamite associated with Austinite | CaZn(AsO4)(OH) |
| 2 photos of Paradamite associated with 'Limonite' | |
| 1 photo of Paradamite associated with Goethite | Fe3+O(OH) |
| 1 photo of Paradamite associated with Quartz | SiO2 |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 8.BB. | Moabite | NiFe3+(PO4)O |
| 8.BB. | Tilasite | CaMg(AsO4)F |
| 8.BB. | Paulgrothite | Cu9Fe3+O4(PO4)4Cl3 |
| 8.BB. | Karlditmarite | Cu9O4(PO4)2(SO4)2 |
| 8.BB. | Milkovoite | Cu4O(PO4)(AsO4) |
| 8.BB.X | Arsenowagnerite | Mg2(AsO4)F |
| 8.BB.05 | Tavorite | LiFe3+(PO4)(OH) |
| 8.BB.05 | Amblygonite | LiAl(PO4)F |
| 8.BB.05 | Montebrasite | LiAl(PO4)(OH) |
| 8.BB.10 | Zwieselite | Fe2+2(PO4)F |
| 8.BB.10 | Triplite | Mn2+2(PO4)F |
| 8.BB.15 | 'Unnamed (Sb-analogue of Auriacusite)' | Fe3+Cu2+[(Sb,As)O4]O |
| 8.BB.15 | Joosteite | Mn2+(Mn3+,Fe3+)(PO4)O |
| 8.BB.15 | Hydroxylwagnerite | Mg2(PO4)(OH) |
| 8.BB.15 | Wagnerite | Mg2(PO4)F |
| 8.BB.15 | Stanĕkite | (Mn2+,Fe2+,Mg)Fe3+(PO4)O |
| 8.BB.15 | Triploidite | Mn2+2(PO4)(OH) |
| 8.BB.15 | Sarkinite | Mn2+2(AsO4)(OH) |
| 8.BB.15 | Wolfeite | Fe2+2(PO4)(OH) |
| 8.BB.20 | Holtedahlite | Mg2(PO4)(OH) |
| 8.BB.20 | Satterlyite | (Fe2+,Mg,Fe)12(PO4)5(PO3OH)(OH,O)6 |
| 8.BB.25 | Althausite | Mg4(PO4)2(OH,O)(F,◻) |
| 8.BB.30 | Zincolivenite | CuZn(AsO4)(OH) |
| 8.BB.30 | Adamite | Zn2(AsO4)(OH) |
| 8.BB.30 | Libethenite | Cu2(PO4)(OH) |
| 8.BB.30 | Zincolibethenite | CuZn(PO4)(OH) |
| 8.BB.30 | Eveite | Mn2+2(AsO4)(OH) |
| 8.BB.30 | Olivenite | Cu2(AsO4)(OH) |
| 8.BB.30 | Auriacusite | Fe3+Cu2+(AsO4)O |
| 8.BB.35 | Tarbuttite | Zn2(PO4)(OH) |
| 8.BB.40 | Barbosalite | Fe2+Fe3+2(PO4)2(OH)2 |
| 8.BB.40 | Scorzalite | Fe2+Al2(PO4)2(OH)2 |
| 8.BB.40 | Lazulite | MgAl2(PO4)2(OH)2 |
| 8.BB.40 | Meizhouite | Fe2+V3+2(PO4)2(OH)2 |
| 8.BB.40 | Hentschelite | CuFe3+2(PO4)2(OH)2 |
| 8.BB.40 | Wilhelmkleinite | ZnFe3+2(AsO4)2(OH)2 |
| 8.BB.45 | Dokuchaevite | Cu8O2(VO4)3Cl3 |
| 8.BB.45 | Trolleite | Al4(PO4)3(OH)3 |
| 8.BB.45 | Yaroshevskite | Cu9O2(VO4)4Cl2 |
| 8.BB.50 | Namibite | Cu(BiO)2(VO4)(OH) |
| 8.BB.50 | Aleutite | [Cu5O2](AsO4)(VO4) · (Cu,K,Pb,Rb,Cs,)Cl |
| 8.BB.52a | Ericlaxmanite | Cu4O(AsO4)2 |
| 8.BB.52b | Kozyrevskite | Cu4O(AsO4)2 |
| 8.BB.55 | Phosphoellenbergerite | (Mg,◻)2Mg12(PO4,PO3OH)6(PO3OH,CO3)2(OH)6 |
| 8.BB.55 | Popovite | Cu5O2(AsO4)2 |
| 8.BB.60 | Urusovite | CuAl(AsO4)O |
| 8.BB.65 | Theoparacelsite | Cu3(As2O7)(OH)2 |
| 8.BB.70 | Turanite | Cu5(VO4)2(OH)4 |
| 8.BB.75 | Stoiberite | Cu5(VO4)2O2 |
| 8.BB.80 | Fingerite | Cu11(VO4)6O2 |
| 8.BB.85 | Averievite | Cu6(VO4)2O2Cl2 |
| 8.BB.90 | Richellite | CaFe3+2(PO4)2(OH,F)2 |
| 8.BB.90 | Lipscombite | Fe2+Fe3+2(PO4)2(OH)2 |
| 8.BB.90 | Zinclipscombite | ZnFe3+2(PO4)2(OH)2 |
Fluorescence of Paradamite
Not fluorescent from Ojuela Mine, Mapimi, Durango, Mexico.
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 Paradamite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-3086.html
Please feel free to link to this page.
Please feel free to link to this page.
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References for Paradamite
Reference List:
Switzer, G. (1956) Paradamite, a new zinc arsenate from Mexico. Science, 123 (3206) 1039 doi:10.1126/science.123.3206.1039
Finney, J. J. (1966) The unit cell of tarbuttite, Zn2(PO4)(OH), and paradamite, Zn2(AsO4)(OH) American Mineralogist, 51 (7) 1218-1220
Kato, Toshio, Miúra, Yasunori (1977) The crystal structures of adamite and paradamite. Mineralogical Journal, 8 (6) 320-328 doi:10.2465/minerj.8.320
Hawthorne, F. C. (1979) Paradamite. Acta Crystallographica Section B Structural Crystallography and Crystal Chemistry, 35 (3) 720-722 doi:10.1107/s0567740879004520
Jinnouchi, Satoshi, Yoshiasa, Akira, Sugiyama, Kazumasa, Shimura, Reiko, Arima, Hiroshi, Momma, Koichi, Miawaki, Ritsurou (2016) Crystal structure refinements of legrandite, adamite, and paradamite: The complex structure and characteristic hydrogen bonding network of legrandite. Journal of Mineralogical and Petrological Sciences, 111 (1) 35-43 doi:10.2465/jmps.141216
Localities for Paradamite
Showing 9 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 | |
| Bender et al. (1994) |
Greece | |
| |
| Mineralienwelt 5/2018 p.75 +1 other reference | |
Mexico (TL) | |
| Switzer (1956) +2 other references |
| Moore (2008) | |
| Moore (2018) | |
| Mike Shannon |
Namibia | |
| Gebhard (1999) |
Spain | |
| Rewitzer et al. (2018) |
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Ojuela Mine, Mapimí, Mapimí Municipality, Durango, Mexico