Philipsburgite
A valid IMA mineral species
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About Philipsburgite
Formula:
Cu5Zn(AsO4)(PO4)(OH)6 · H2O
Cu:Zn ratio is roughly 2.5:1 - 3:1.
Colour:
Bright emerald green
Lustre:
Vitreous
Hardness:
3 - 4
Specific Gravity:
4.07
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Name:
Named for the town of Philipsburg, Montana, USA, near the type locality.
The As-P ordered arsenate-phosphate analogue of kipushite (phosphate endmember) and goldhillite (arsenate endmember, approved in 2021).
NOTE: Many "philipsburgites" from localities except the type locality are probably goldhillite. For example, the first find of "philipsburgite" from the Clara mine, Black Forest, Germany, was analysed as P-free, i.e. it is in fact goldhillite.
Type philipsburgite shows an ordered distribution of As and P over two symmetrically independent tetrahedrally coordinated sites and, therefore, it was redefined by IMA in March 2021 with the new crystal-chemical formula Cu5Zn(AsO4)(PO4)(OH)6.H2O.
May be confused with lenticular forms of zincolivenite.
NOTE: Many "philipsburgites" from localities except the type locality are probably goldhillite. For example, the first find of "philipsburgite" from the Clara mine, Black Forest, Germany, was analysed as P-free, i.e. it is in fact goldhillite.
Type philipsburgite shows an ordered distribution of As and P over two symmetrically independent tetrahedrally coordinated sites and, therefore, it was redefined by IMA in March 2021 with the new crystal-chemical formula Cu5Zn(AsO4)(PO4)(OH)6.H2O.
May be confused with lenticular forms of zincolivenite.
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
3191
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:3191:8
IMA Classification of Philipsburgite
Approved
IMA status notes:
Redefined by the IMA
IMA Formula:
Cu2+5Zn2+(As5+O4)(PO4)(OH)6·H2O
Approval year:
1984
First published:
1985
Approval history:
Originally defined as a pure arsenate. Redefined by IMA March 2021 (IMA 20-G), when it was recognised that the (P-rich) type material has an ordered distribution of As and P.
Classification of Philipsburgite
8.DE.35
8 : PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, VANADATES
D : Phosphates, etc. with additional anions, with H2O
E : With only medium-sized cations, (OH, etc.):RO4 = 3:1
8 : PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, VANADATES
D : Phosphates, etc. with additional anions, with H2O
E : With only medium-sized cations, (OH, etc.):RO4 = 3:1
42.2.4.2
42 : HYDRATED PHOSPHATES, ETC.CONTAINING HYDROXYL OR HALOGEN
2 : (AB)3(XO4)Zq·xH2O
42 : HYDRATED PHOSPHATES, ETC.CONTAINING HYDROXYL OR HALOGEN
2 : (AB)3(XO4)Zq·xH2O
20.3.8
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Pbu | 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 Philipsburgite
Vitreous
Transparency:
Transparent, Translucent
Colour:
Bright emerald green
Streak:
Pale green
Hardness:
3 - 4 on Mohs scale
Cleavage:
None Observed
Parting:
None observed
Density:
4.07(10) g/cm3 (Measured) 4.04 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Philipsburgite
Type:
Biaxial (-)
RI values:
nα = 1.729(2) nβ = 1.774(2) nγ = 1.775(2)
2V:
Measured: 16° (2), Calculated: 17°
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.046
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:
Weak
Comments:
Y=Z mediam green, X pale green
Chemistry of Philipsburgite
Mindat Formula:
Cu5Zn(AsO4)(PO4)(OH)6 · H2O
Cu:Zn ratio is roughly 2.5:1 - 3:1.
Cu:Zn ratio is roughly 2.5:1 - 3:1.
Element Weights:
Common Impurities:
Zn,P
Crystallography of Philipsburgite
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Class (H-M):
2/m - Prismatic
Space Group:
P21/b
Setting:
P21/c
Cell Parameters:
a = 12.3095(9) Å, b = 9.2276(3) Å, c = 10.7195(3) Å
β = 97.137(10)°
β = 97.137(10)°
Ratio:
a:b:c = 1.334 : 1 : 1.162
Unit Cell V:
1,208.16 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
4
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 2.559 Å | (100) |
| 4.05 Å | (90) |
| 12.2 Å | (80) |
| 2.666 Å | (60) |
| 1.534 Å | (60) |
| 3.405 Å | (50) |
| 6.21 Å | (40) |
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] | |
| 47d : [Arsenates, antimonates, selenates, bismuthinates] |
Type Occurrence of Philipsburgite
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto, Canada, M41000
National Museum of Natural History, Washington, D.C., USA, 161201.
National Museum of Natural History, Washington, D.C., USA, 161201.
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
Synonyms of Philipsburgite
Other Language Names for Philipsburgite
Dutch:Philipsburgiet
German:Philipsburgit
Common Associates
Associations Based on Photo Data:
| 39 photos of Philipsburgite associated with Quartz | SiO2 |
| 24 photos of Philipsburgite associated with Pseudomalachite | Cu5(PO4)2(OH)4 |
| 18 photos of Philipsburgite associated with Veszelyite | (Cu,Zn)2Zn(PO4)(OH)3 · 2H2O |
| 16 photos of Philipsburgite associated with Chrysocolla | Cu2-xAlx(H2-xSi2O5)(OH)4 · nH2O, x < 1 |
| 12 photos of Philipsburgite associated with Cornwallite | Cu5(AsO4)2(OH)4 |
| 10 photos of Philipsburgite associated with Goethite | Fe3+O(OH) |
| 6 photos of Philipsburgite associated with Duftite | PbCu(AsO4)(OH) |
| 6 photos of Philipsburgite associated with Malachite | Cu2(CO3)(OH)2 |
| 5 photos of Philipsburgite associated with Azurite | Cu3(CO3)2(OH)2 |
| 5 photos of Philipsburgite associated with Cornubite | Cu5(AsO4)2(OH)4 |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 8.DE. | Arsenoveszelyite | Cu2Zn(AsO4)(OH)3 · 2H2O |
| 8.DE. | Kipushite | (Cu,Zn)5Zn(PO4)2(OH)6 · H2O |
| 8.DE. | Goldhillite | Cu5Zn(AsO4)2(OH)6 · H2O |
| 8.DE.05 | Senegalite | Al2(PO4)(OH)(OH)2 · H2O |
| 8.DE.10 | Fluellite | Al2(PO4)F2(OH) · 7H2O |
| 8.DE.15 | Bulachite | Al6(AsO4)3(OH)9(H2O)4 · 2H2O |
| 8.DE.20 | Zapatalite | Cu3Al4(PO4)3(OH)9 · 4H2O |
| 8.DE.25 | Ceruleite | Cu2Al7(AsO4)4(OH)13 · 11.5H2O |
| 8.DE.30 | Veszelyite | (Cu,Zn)2Zn(PO4)(OH)3 · 2H2O |
| 8.DE.40 | Juanitaite | (Cu,Ca,Fe)10Bi(AsO4)4(OH)11 · 2H2O |
| 8.DE.45 | Iangreyite | Ca2Al7(PO4)2(PO3OH)2(OH,F)15 · 8H2O |
Fluorescence of Philipsburgite
None observed
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 Philipsburgite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-3191.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 Philipsburgite
Reference List:
Braithwaite, R. S. W., Ryback, G. (1988) Philipsburgite from the Caldbeck Fells and Kipushite from Montana, and Their Infrared Spectra. Mineralogical Magazine, 52 (367) 529-533 doi:10.1180/minmag.1988.052.367.14
Ciesielczuk, Justyna, Janeczek, Janusz, Dulski, Mateusz, Krzykawski, Tomasz (2016) Pseudomalachite–cornwallite and kipushite–philipsburgite solid solutions: chemical composition and Raman spectroscopy. European Journal of Mineralogy, 28 (3) 555-569 doi:10.1127/ejm/2016/0028-2536
Anthony, John W., Bideaux, Richard A., Bladh, Kenneth W., Nichols, Monte C. - Eds. (2016) Handbook of Mineralogy. https://www.handbookofmineralogy.org/
Krivovichev, Sergey V., Zhitova, Elena S., Ismagilova, Rezeda M., Zolotarev, Andrey A. (2018) Site-selective As–P substitution and hydrogen bonding in the crystal structure of philipsburgite, Cu5Zn((As,P)O4)2(OH)6·H2O. Physics and Chemistry of Minerals, 45 (10) 917-923 doi:10.1007/s00269-018-0972-z
Miyawaki, Ritsuro, Hatert, Frédéric, Pasero, Marco, Mills, Stuart J. (2021) IMA Commission on New Minerals, Nomenclature and Classification (CNMNC) – Newsletter 60. European Journal of Mineralogy, 33 (2) 203-208 doi:10.5194/ejm-33-203-2021
Ismagilova, Rezeda M., Rieck, Branko, Kampf, Anthony R., Giester, Gerald, Zhitova, Elena S., Lengauer, Christian L., Krivovichev, Sergey V., Zolotarev, Andrey A., Ciesielczuk, Justyna, Mikhailova, Julia A., Belakovsky, Dmitry I., Bocharov, Vladimir N., Shilovskikh, Vladimir V., Vlasenko, Natalia S., Nash, Barbara P., Adams, Paul M. (2022) Goldhillite, Cu5Zn(AsO4)2(OH)6⋅H2O, a new mineral species, and redefinition of philipsburgite, Cu5Zn[(AsO4)(PO4)](OH)6⋅H2O, as an As–P ordered species. Mineralogical Magazine, 86 (3) 436-446 doi:10.1180/mgm.2022.36
Localities for Philipsburgite
Showing 42 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.
Argentina | |
| Márquez-Zavalía et al. (2016) |
Australia | |
| Elliott |
| Peter Elliott |
Austria | |
| Puttner (1996) |
| - (1994, July) +1 other reference |
| Schnorrer et al. (2007) |
Bulgaria | |
| Minceva-Stefanova (2001) |
Chile | |
| Samples analysed (SEM-EDS - see https://www.mindat.org/photo-1215482.html - and SXRD) +1 other reference |
China | |
| Shen (n.d.) |
| Shen (n.d.) |
Czech Republic | |
| . Bull. mineral.-petrolog. Odd. Nár. Muz. (Praha) +3 other references |
| . Bull. mineral.-petrolog. Odd. Nár. Muz. (Praha) +2 other references | |
Germany | |
| Blaß et al. (1994) |
| Walenta et al. (1985) +1 other reference |
| Schnorrer (1993) |
| www.dergraul.de (2001) |
| Weiß et al. (1992) |
Greece | |
| Rieck et al. (1999) +1 other reference |
Italy | |
| //doi.org/10.57635/MICRO.2025.23.16 |
Japan | |
| SHIROSE et al. (2011) +1 other reference |
Namibia | |
| Schnorrer (1995) +1 other reference |
Poland | |
| Siuda et al. (2006) |
Russia | |
| Identified by Dr. Igor Pekov. +1 other reference |
Spain | |
| www.mindat.org (n.d.) |
UK | |
| Golley et al. (1995) |
| Steve Rust collection +2 other references |
| Symes et al. (1990) |
| Braithwaite et al. (1988) +2 other references | |
| - (2006) | |
| Braithwaite et al. (1988) +1 other reference |
| Day (1999) | |
| Cooper et al. (1990) +1 other reference | |
USA | |
| Kepper et al. (2000) |
| Peacor et al. (1985) +4 other references |
| Silver Coin Mine. Compact Disc. Paul ... +1 other reference |
| In the collection of Chuck Adan |
| Thorne (n.d.) | |
| Roberts et al. (1997) |
| Kokinos et al. (1993) +1 other reference |
| Rick Dalrymple Collection | |
| 3 +3 other references |
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Penberthy Croft Mine, St Hilary, Cornwall, England, UK