Ramsbeckite
A valid IMA mineral species
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About Ramsbeckite
Formula:
(Cu,Zn)15(SO4)4(OH)22 · 6H2O
The Cu:Zn ratio is slightly variable.
Colour:
Green
Lustre:
Vitreous
Hardness:
3½
Specific Gravity:
3.39
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Member of:
Name:
Named after the town of Ramsbeck, Germany, near the type locality.
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
3358
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:3358:5
Classification of Ramsbeckite
Gordaite-type sheet
Members of the namuwite group exhibit gordaite-type sheets. Ramsbeckite exhibits a slightly modified version of this sheet topology that very slightly diminishes the M/T ratio from 4:1 to 3.75:1.
IMA Classification of Ramsbeckite
Approved
IMA Formula:
Cu2+15(S6+O4)4(OH)22·6H2O
Approval year:
1984
First published:
1985
7.DD.60
7 : SULFATES (selenates, tellurates, chromates, molybdates, wolframates)
D : Sulfates (selenates, etc.) with additional anions, with H2O
D : With only medium-sized cations; sheets of edge-sharing octahedra
7 : SULFATES (selenates, tellurates, chromates, molybdates, wolframates)
D : Sulfates (selenates, etc.) with additional anions, with H2O
D : With only medium-sized cations; sheets of edge-sharing octahedra
31.4.9.1
31 : HYDRATED SULFATES CONTAINING HYDROXYL OR HALOGEN
4 : (AB)4(XO4)Zq·xH2O
31 : HYDRATED SULFATES CONTAINING HYDROXYL OR HALOGEN
4 : (AB)4(XO4)Zq·xH2O
25.5.5
25 : Sulphates
5 : Sulphates of Zn and Hg
25 : Sulphates
5 : Sulphates of Zn and 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Rbe | 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 Ramsbeckite
Pronunciation:
| Play | Recorded by | Country |
|---|---|---|
| Jolyon Ralph | United Kingdom |
Physical Properties of Ramsbeckite
Vitreous
Transparency:
Transparent, Translucent
Colour:
Green
Streak:
Light green
Hardness:
3½ on Mohs scale
Cleavage:
None Observed
Fracture:
Conchoidal
Density:
3.39(2) g/cm3 (Measured) 3.37 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Ramsbeckite
Type:
Biaxial (-)
RI values:
nα = 1.635(5) nβ = 1.675(5) nγ = 1.680(5)
2V:
Measured: 37.0° (5), Calculated: 38.0°
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.045
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
Optical Extinction:
X ≈ c; Y = a; Z ≈ b.
Chemistry of Ramsbeckite
Mindat Formula:
(Cu,Zn)15(SO4)4(OH)22 · 6H2O
The Cu:Zn ratio is slightly variable.
The Cu:Zn ratio is slightly variable.
Element Weights:
Crystallography of Ramsbeckite
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Class (H-M):
2/m - Prismatic
Cell Parameters:
a = 16.06 Å, b = 15.57 Å, c = 7.1 Å
β = 90.2°
β = 90.2°
Ratio:
a:b:c = 1.031 : 1 : 0.456
Unit Cell V:
1,775.37 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
2
Morphology:
Equant to tabular (001) rhomb-shaped crystals showing {001}, {210}, and commonly {110}.
Comment:
Space group P21/a. Unit-cell parameters are slightly variable, depending on Cu:Zn ratio: a = 16.088–16.110, b = 15.576–15.602, c = 7.102–7.112 A, β = 90.0-90.27°.
Crystal Structure
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Unit Cell | Unit Cell Packed
2x2x2 | 3x3x3 | 4x4x4
Unit Cell | Unit Cell Packed
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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) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0014821 | Ramsbeckite | Effenberger H (1988) Ramsbeckite, (Cu,Zn)15(OH)22(SO4)4*6(H2O): Revision of the chemical formula based on a structure determination Neues Jahrbuch fur Mineralogie, Monatshefte 1988 38-48 | 1988 | Bastenberg mine, Ramsbeck, Sauerland, Germany | 0 | 293 |
CIF Raw Data - click here to close
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 7.090 Å | (100) |
| 4.40 Å | (12) |
| 3.549 Å | (25) |
| 3.254 Å | (13) |
| 3.244 Å | (11) |
| 3.232 Å | (12) |
| 1.776 Å | (20) |
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| Stage 7: Great Oxidation Event | <2.4 |
| 47a : [Near-surface hydration of prior minerals] | |
| 47b : [Sulfates and sulfites] | |
| Stage 10b: Anthropogenic minerals | <10 Ka |
| 55 : Anthropogenic mine minerals | |
| 56 : Slag and smelter minerals (see also #51 and #55) |
Type Occurrence of Ramsbeckite
General Appearance of Type Material:
Equant to tabular rhomb-shaped crystals.
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
Mineralogische Sammlungen, Mineralogisch-Petrographisches Institut, Universität Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany, number 6.4.4.2 (holotype).
Geological Setting of Type Material:
Recent weathering of Cu- and Zn-bearing ore minerals in an abandoned adit and in mine dumps.
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
Synonyms of Ramsbeckite
Other Language Names for Ramsbeckite
Relationship of Ramsbeckite to other Species
Member of:
Other Members of Namuwite Group:
| Bechererite | Zn7Cu(OH)13[(SiO(OH)3(SO4)] | Trig. 3 : P3 |
| Gordaite | NaZn4(SO4)(OH)6Cl · 6H2O | Trig. 3 : P3 |
| Guarinoite | Zn6(SO4)(OH)10 · 5H2O | Hex. |
| Hanahanite | [Zn8(OH)14(SO4)] · 3H2O | Hex. 6 : P63 |
| Haywoodite | [Pb(H2O)10][Zn12(OH)20(H2O)(SO4)3] | Tric. 1 : P1 |
| Hodgesmithite | (Cu,Zn)6Zn(SO4)2(OH)10 · 3H2O | Trig. 3 : P3 |
| Lahnsteinite | Zn4(SO4)(OH)6 · 3H2O | Tric. 1 : P1 |
| Namuwite | Zn4(SO4)(OH)6 · 4H2O | Trig. 3 : P3 |
| Osakaite | Zn4(SO4)(OH)6 · 5H2O | Tric. 1 : P1 |
| Thérèsemagnanite | NaCo4(SO4)(OH)6Cl · 6H2O | Trig. 3 : P3 |
| Tzeferisite | CaZn8(SO4)2(OH)12Cl2(H2O)9 | Trig. 3m(32/m) : R3c |
Common Associates
Associations Based on Photo Data:
| 49 photos of Ramsbeckite associated with Schulenbergite | (Cu,Zn)7(SO4)2(OH)10 · 3H2O |
| 38 photos of Ramsbeckite associated with Linarite | PbCu(SO4)(OH)2 |
| 30 photos of Ramsbeckite associated with Anglesite | PbSO4 |
| 26 photos of Ramsbeckite associated with Langite | Cu4(SO4)(OH)6 · 2H2O |
| 16 photos of Ramsbeckite associated with Cerussite | PbCO3 |
| 12 photos of Ramsbeckite associated with Sphalerite | ZnS |
| 11 photos of Ramsbeckite associated with Lautenthalite | PbCu4(SO4)2(OH)6 · 3H2O |
| 10 photos of Ramsbeckite associated with Susannite | Pb4(CO3)2(SO4)(OH)2 |
| 9 photos of Ramsbeckite associated with Serpierite | Ca(Cu2+,Zn2+)4(S6+O4)2(OH)6 · 3H2O |
| 8 photos of Ramsbeckite associated with Posnjakite | Cu4(SO4)(OH)6 · H2O |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 7.DD. | Asagiite | NiCu4(SO4)2(OH)6 · 6H2O |
| 7.DD.05 | Felsőbányaite | Al4(SO4)(OH)10 · 4H2O |
| 7.DD.07 | Llantenesite | Cu6Al[SeO4](OH)12Cl · 3H2O |
| 7.DD.10 | Langite | Cu4(SO4)(OH)6 · 2H2O |
| 7.DD.10 | Fehrite | MgCu4(SO4)2(OH)6 · 6H2O |
| 7.DD.10 | Posnjakite | Cu4(SO4)(OH)6 · H2O |
| 7.DD.10 | Wroewolfeite | Cu4(SO4)(OH)6 · 2H2O |
| 7.DD.10 | Gobelinite | CoCu4(SO4)2(OH)6 · 6H2O |
| 7.DD.15 | Kobyashevite | Cu5(SO4)2(OH)6 · 4H2O |
| 7.DD.15 | Spangolite | Cu6Al(SO4)(OH)12Cl · 3H2O |
| 7.DD.15 | 'Unnamed (Dimorph of Devilline)' | CaCu4(SO4)2(OH)6 · 3H2O |
| 7.DD.20 | Ktenasite | ZnCu4(SO4)2(OH)6 · 6H2O |
| 7.DD.25 | Christelite | Cu2Zn3(SO4)2(OH)6 · 4H2O |
| 7.DD.30 | Edwardsite | Cu3Cd2(SO4)2(OH)6 · 4H2O |
| 7.DD.30 | Niedermayrite | CdCu4(SO4)2(OH)6 · 4H2O |
| 7.DD.30 | Serpierite | Ca(Cu2+,Zn2+)4(S6+O4)2(OH)6 · 3H2O |
| 7.DD.30 | Campigliaite | Mn2+Cu4(SO4)2(OH)6 · 4H2O |
| 7.DD.30 | Orthoserpierite | Ca(Cu,Zn)4(SO4)2(OH)6 · 3H2O |
| 7.DD.30 | Devilline | CaCu4(SO4)2(OH)6 · 3H2O |
| 7.DD.35 | Shigaite | Mn6Al3(OH)18[Na(H2O)6](SO4)2 · 6H2O |
| 7.DD.35 | Zincaluminite | (Zn1-xAlx)(SO4)x/2(OH)2 · nH2O |
| 7.DD.35 | Zincowoodwardite | Zn1-xAlx(OH)2[SO4]x/2 · nH2O |
| 7.DD.35 | Natroglaucocerinite | Zn6Al3(OH)18[Na(H2O)6](SO4)2 · 6H2O |
| 7.DD.35 | Hydrowoodwardite | (Cu1-xAlx)(OH)2[SO4]x/2 · nH2O |
| 7.DD.35 | Honessite | (Ni1-xFe3+x)(OH)2[SO4]x/2 · nH2O |
| 7.DD.35 | Carrboydite | (Ni1-xAlx)(SO4)x/2(OH)2 · nH2O |
| 7.DD.35 | Glaucocerinite | (Zn1-xAlx)(OH)2(SO4)x/2 · nH2O |
| 7.DD.35 | Wermlandite | Mg7Al2(OH)18[Ca(H2O)6][SO4]2 · 6H2O |
| 7.DD.35 | Nikischerite | Fe2+6Al3(OH)18[Na(H2O)6](SO4)2 · 6H2O |
| 7.DD.35 | Hydrohonessite | (Ni1-xFe3+x)(OH)2(SO4)x/2 · nH2O |
| 7.DD.35 | Woodwardite | Cu1-xAlx(OH)2(SO4)x/2 · nH2O |
| 7.DD.35 | Motukoreaite | Mg6Al3(OH)18[Na(H2O)6][SO4]2 · 6H2O |
| 7.DD.35 | Mountkeithite | [(Mg1-xFe3+x)(OH)2][SO4]x/2 · nH2O |
| 7.DD.40 | Lawsonbauerite | (Mn2+,Mg)9Zn4(SO4)2(OH)22 · 8H2O |
| 7.DD.40 | Torreyite | (Mg,Mn2+)7◻2Mn2+2Zn4(SO4)2(OH)22 · 8H2O |
| 7.DD.40 | Isselite | Cu6(SO4)(OH)10(H2O)4 · H2O |
| 7.DD.45 | Mooreite | Mg9◻2Mn2Zn4(SO4)2(OH)26 · 8H2O |
| 7.DD.45 | Hodgesmithite | (Cu,Zn)6Zn(SO4)2(OH)10 · 3H2O |
| 7.DD.47 | Lahnsteinite | Zn4(SO4)(OH)6 · 3H2O |
| 7.DD.50 | Namuwite | Zn4(SO4)(OH)6 · 4H2O |
| 7.DD.50 | Minohlite | (Cu,Zn)7(SO4)2(OH)10 · 8H2O |
| 7.DD.52 | Lauraniite | Cu6Cd2(SO4)2(OH)12 · 5H2O |
| 7.DD.55 | Bechererite | Zn7Cu(OH)13[(SiO(OH)3(SO4)] |
| 7.DD.65 | Vonbezingite | Ca6Cu3(SO4)3(OH)12 · 2H2O |
| 7.DD.70 | Redgillite | Cu6(SO4)(OH)10 · H2O |
| 7.DD.75 | Nickelalumite | NiAl4(SO4)(OH)12(H2O)3 |
| 7.DD.75 | Kyrgyzstanite | ZnAl4(SO4)(OH)12 · 3H2O |
| 7.DD.75 | Chalcoalumite | CuAl4(SO4)(OH)12 · 3H2O |
| 7.DD.80 | Schulenbergite | (Cu,Zn)7(SO4)2(OH)10 · 3H2O |
| 7.DD.80 | 'UM1992-30-SO:CCuHZn' | (Zn,Cu)7(SO4,CO3)2(OH)10 · 3H2O |
| 7.DD.80 | Thérèsemagnanite | NaCo4(SO4)(OH)6Cl · 6H2O |
| 7.DD.80 | Guarinoite | Zn6(SO4)(OH)10 · 5H2O |
| 7.DD.85 | Montetrisaite | Cu6(SO4)(OH)10 · 2H2O |
Other Information
IR Spectrum:
Strong peaks at 3390, 3160, 1600, 1110, and 600 cm-1.
Notes:
Completely soluble in dilute mineral acids.
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 Ramsbeckite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-3358.html
Please feel free to link to this page.
Please feel free to link to this page.
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External Links:
Mineral Dealers:
References for Ramsbeckite
Localities for Ramsbeckite
Showing 86 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 | |
| Harris et al. (2003) |
Austria | |
| Niedermayr et al. (1995) |
| Puttner (1994) | |
| Puttner (1996) |
| 50. +1 other reference |
Brazil | |
| Santos et al. (2023) +1 other reference |
Czech Republic | |
| RÜSENBERG et al. (1996) |
France | |
| Remy Ph. (2003) |
| Jean Claude Dol |
| Queneau (n.d.) |
| Queneau (n.d.) |
| BERBAIN et al. (2010) |
Germany | |
| |
| Wittern et al. (1986) |
| "Lithothek" collection of the ... | |
| |
| van den Berg et al. (1990) |
| van den Berg et al. (1990) |
| von Hodenberg et al. (1985) +1 other reference |
| Leon Hupperichs collection |
| Der Aufschluss 2000 (2) +1 other reference |
| Henrich (2009) |
| Schnorrer-Köhler (1987) |
| Heckmann et al. (1990) |
| Weiß (1990) |
| Schnorrer-Köhler (1988) |
| Schnorrer et al. (1998) |
| Weiß (1990) |
| Weiß (1990) | |
| Henrich (2007) | |
| www.mineralienfreunde-der-pfalz.de (2015) |
| Graf (1991) |
| added by Frank de Wit |
| Wittern (2001) |
| Wittern (2001) |
| Der Aufschluss Vol.55 |
| Weiß (1990) |
| Marko Burkhardt Collection |
| Wittern (2001) |
Hungary | |
| GEODA 2007/1 +1 other reference |
Italy | |
| Tumiati et al. (2005) |
| Castellaro-Kampf |
| Orlandi et al. (2007) +1 other reference |
| Preite et al. (2007) |
| //doi.org/10.57635/MICRO.2025.23.16 |
| Single-crystal X-ray diffraction at ... |
| Bortolozzi et al. (2013) |
| Chinellato Matteo |
| Muenchener Micromounter-Lithothek |
| Orlandi P. & Perchiazzi N. (1989) +1 other reference |
| American Mineralogist | |
| Pegoraro S. et al. (2009) | |
| Orlandi et al. (1989) +1 other reference | |
| Saccardo D. et al. (Torrebelvicino, Vicenza) |
| Boscardin et al. (2011) |
Japan | |
| Masayuki Ohnishi et al. (2011) |
| Ohnishi et al. (2001) +2 other references |
| Ohnishi et al. (2011) |
Luxembourg | |
| Activity report 1998 of the Musée ... |
Portugal | |
| Alves (n.d.) |
| Alves (n.d.) |
| Alves (2017) |
| Alves (2017) | |
Romania | |
| G.Koller 2008-2009 |
Slovenia | |
| Palaeozoic or Tertiary ore ... +1 other reference |
Spain | |
| Rewitzer et al. (2020) |
Switzerland | |
| Schmutz et al. (1982) +1 other reference |
UK | |
| Steve Rust |
| - (2006) +1 other reference |
| - (2006) | |
| Bridges et al. (2011) |
| Pluth et al. (2005) | |
| Rust (1995) |
| Day (1999) |
| Mason et al. (1995) |
| Day (1999) |
| S.Rust Collection |
| Green et al. (1996) +2 other references |
| Mason et al. (1997) |
| S.Rust Collection |
| Day (1999) |
USA | |
| RRUFF Project Specimen ID: R050295 |
| james soboleski jr Collection |
| L. Rantos collection (Athens, Greece) +4 other references |
| Jason B. Smith. Self-collected crystals ... |
| Dunn et al. (1987) |
Quick NavTopAbout RamsbeckiteUnique IdentifiersClassification IMA Classification Mineral SymbolsPronunciation Physical Properties Optical Data Chemistry Crystallography Crystal StructureX-Ray Powder DiffractionGeological EnvironmentType Occurrence SynonymsOther LanguagesRelationshipsCommon AssociatesStrunz-MindatOther InformationInternet Links References Localities Locality List
Waterbank Mine, Back of Ecton, Ecton, Wetton, Staffordshire Moorlands, Staffordshire, England, UK