Szenicsite
A valid IMA mineral species
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About Szenicsite
Terry Szenics
Formula:
Cu3(MoO4)(OH)4
Colour:
Dark green
Lustre:
Adamantine, Pearly
Hardness:
3½ - 4
Specific Gravity:
4.26
Crystal System:
Orthorhombic
Name:
Named after Zoltan "Terry" (b. 1947) and Marissa (b. 1950) Szenics, American mineral collectors who discovered the mineral.
Type Locality:
Dimorph of:
The szenicsite occurrence was an isolated area, approximately 1 cubic meter in size, wherein the szenicsite occurred in cavities in a matrix rich in molybdenite and Cu-bearing powellite. The cavities were filled with a clay-like material. Outside of the szenicsite zone, the mineralization changed from szenicsite to lindgrenite, with decreasing copper. Thereafter, moving further out, the mineralization was lacking visible copper content and consisted of powellite blebs in the ore. (pers. comm. Terry Szenics to Chet Lemanski, 2006).
Note: the type locality was originally erroneously given as "Tierra Amarilla".
Note: the type locality was originally erroneously given as "Tierra Amarilla".
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
3862
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:3862:7
Similar Names
| Scenicite | A valid IMA mineral species | [(UO2)(H2O)2(SO4)]2 · 3H2O |
IMA Classification of Szenicsite
Approved
IMA Formula:
Cu2+3Mo6+O4(OH)4
Approval year:
1993
First published:
1994
Classification of Szenicsite
7.GB.10
7 : SULFATES (selenates, tellurates, chromates, molybdates, wolframates)
G : Molybdates, Wolframates and Niobates
B : With additional anions and/or H2O
7 : SULFATES (selenates, tellurates, chromates, molybdates, wolframates)
G : Molybdates, Wolframates and Niobates
B : With additional anions and/or H2O
48.3.5.1
48 : ANHYDROUS MOLYBDATES AND TUNGSTATES
3 : Basic Anhydrous Molybdates and Tungstates
48 : ANHYDROUS MOLYBDATES AND TUNGSTATES
3 : Basic Anhydrous Molybdates and Tungstates
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Sze | 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 Szenicsite
Pronunciation:
| Play | Recorded by | Country |
|---|---|---|
| Jolyon Ralph | United Kingdom |
Physical Properties of Szenicsite
Adamantine, Pearly
Transparency:
Transparent, Translucent
Colour:
Dark green
Streak:
Malachite green
Hardness:
3½ - 4 on Mohs scale
Tenacity:
Brittle
Cleavage:
Distinct/Good
{100} and {010}, good.
{100} and {010}, good.
Density:
4.26(5) g/cm3 (Measured) 4.279 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Comment:
Calculated value based on the empirical formula, the ideal formula gives 4.30.
Optical Data of Szenicsite
Type:
Biaxial (+)
RI values:
nα = 1.886 nβ = 1.892 nγ = 1.903
2V:
Measured: 74° (3), Calculated: 74°
Birefringence:
Low to moderate.
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.017
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 strong
Optical Extinction:
X = b; Y = a; Z = c.
Pleochroism:
Visible
Comments:
X = yellow-green; Y = Z = green.
Chemistry of Szenicsite
Mindat Formula:
Cu3(MoO4)(OH)4
Element Weights:
Elements listed:
Crystallography of Szenicsite
Crystal System:
Orthorhombic
Class (H-M):
mmm(2/m2/m2/m) - Dipyramidal
Space Group:
Pnnm
Setting:
Pnnm
Cell Parameters:
a = 8.5201(8) Å, b = 12.545(1) Å, c = 6.0794(6) Å
Ratio:
a:b:c = 0.679 : 1 : 0.485
Unit Cell V:
649.79 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
4
Morphology:
Bladed crystals, lamellar on {100} and elongated parallel to [001], which are intergrown as radial aggregates about [001] resulting in lustrous, curved {010} faces. The dominant form is {100} with {010} common.
Crystal Structure
Load
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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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) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0014897 | Szenicsite | Stolz J, Armbruster T (1998) X-ray single-crystal structure refinement of szenicsite, Cu3MoO4(OH)4, and its relation to the structure of antlerite, Cu3SO4(OH)4 Neues Jahrbuch fur Mineralogie, Monatshefte 1998 278-288 | 1998 | Jardinera No. 1, Inca de Oro, Atacama, Chile | 0 | 293 | |
| 0014535 | Szenicsite | Burns P C (1998) The crystal structure of szenicsite, Cu3MoO4(OH)4 Mineralogical Magazine 62 461-469 |  | 1998 | 0 | 293 |
CIF Raw Data - click here to close
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 2.591 Å | (vs) |
| 5.471 Å | (s) |
| 3.754 Å | (s) |
| 3.043 Å | (s) |
| 1.519 Å | (s) |
| 4.599 Å | (m) |
| 2.759 Å | (m) |
| 2.415 Å | (m) |
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| Stage 7: Great Oxidation Event | <2.4 |
| 47a : [Near-surface hydration of prior minerals] |
Type Occurrence of Szenicsite
General Appearance of Type Material:
Dark green bladed crystals, that are intergrown as radial aggregates. Crystals are typically less than 1 cm, but up to 3 x 1 x 0.1 cm. They occur both freestanding in cavities and as fracture fillings. Terminated crystals are extremely rare.
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA, 133734, 133735, 133738, 133739.
Geological Setting of Type Material:
A secondary mineral derived from the oxidation of primary bornite and mo1ybdenite.
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
Synonyms of Szenicsite
Other Language Names for Szenicsite
Common Associates
Associations Based on Photo Data:
| 80 photos of Szenicsite associated with Powellite | Ca(MoO4) |
| 21 photos of Szenicsite associated with Molybdenite | MoS2 |
| 8 photos of Szenicsite associated with Azurite | Cu3(CO3)2(OH)2 |
| 3 photos of Szenicsite associated with Lindgrenite | Cu3(MoO4)2(OH)2 |
| 3 photos of Szenicsite associated with Calcite | CaCO3 |
| 2 photos of Szenicsite associated with Malachite | Cu2(CO3)(OH)2 |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 7.GB. | Stunorthropite | (NH4)4[Mo2O6(MoO4)2] |
| 7.GB. | Hartkoppeite | Ca4Mn2+Mo6+6As5+4O32(OH)2(H2O)14 · 5H2O |
| 7.GB. | Wangpuite | K3(PO4)(Mo12O36) |
| 7.GB. | Alexearlite | Hg3S2(MoO4) |
| 7.GB. | Ootannite | Th4+2W6+4O16 · 5H2O |
| 7.GB. | Natromolybdite | Na2MoO4 · 2H2O |
| 7.GB. | Marsaalamite-(Y) | Y(MoO4)(OH) |
| 7.GB.05 | Lindgrenite | Cu3(MoO4)2(OH)2 |
| 7.GB.15 | 'UM1999-38-WO:CrV' | (V, Cr, W, O, H) [V:Cr:W ratio about 2:1:3] |
| 7.GB.15 | Huenite | Cu4(MoO4)3(OH)2 |
| 7.GB.15 | Cuprotungstite | Cu2(WO4)(OH)2 |
| 7.GB.20 | Phyllotungstite | (H2O,M)x(W,Fe)(O,OH)3 · yH2O (M = Ca, Cs, Pb or K) |
| 7.GB.25 | Rankachite | Ca0.5(V4+,V5+)(W6+,Fe3+)2O8(OH) · 2H2O |
| 7.GB.30 | Ferrimolybdite | Fe2(MoO4)3 · nH2O |
| 7.GB.35 | Mpororoite | WAlO3(OH)3 · 2(H2O) |
| 7.GB.35 | Anthoinite | AlWO3(OH)3 |
| 7.GB.40 | Obradovicite-KCu | [K2(H2O)17Cu(H2O)6][Mo8As2Fe3+3O34(OH)3] |
| 7.GB.45 | Paramendozavilite | [KAl4(H2O)30][Mo12P6Fe3+6O60(OH)13] |
| 7.GB.45 | Mendozavilite-NaFe | [Na2(H2O)15Fe3+(H2O)6][Mo8P2Fe3+3O35(OH)2] |
| 7.GB.45 | Obradovicite-NaCu | Na2(H2O)17Cu(H2O)6][Mo8As2Fe3+3O34(OH)3] |
| 7.GB.45 | Obradovicite-NaNa | [Na2(H2O)16Na(H2O)6][Mo8As2Fe3+3O33(OH)4] |
| 7.GB.50 | Tancaite-(Ce) | FeCe(MoO4)3 · 3H2O |
| 7.GB.50 | Mendozavilite-NaCu | [Na2(H2O)15Cu(H2O)6][Mo8P2Fe3+3O34(OH)3] |
| 7.GB.50 | Mendozavilite-KCa | [K2(H2O)15Ca(H2O)6][Mo8P2Fe3+3O34(OH)3] |
| 7.GB.60 | Peterandresenite | Mn4Nb6O19 · 14H2O |
| 7.GB.60 | Hansesmarkite | Ca2Mn2Nb6O19 · 20H2O |
| 7.GB.60 | Melcherite | Ba2Na2Mg[Nb6O19] · 6H2O |
| 7.GB.65 | Ichnusaite | Th(MoO4)2 · 3H2O |
| 7.GB.70 | Markascherite | Cu3(MoO4)(OH)4 |
| 7.GB.75 | Nuragheite | Th(MoO4)2 · H2O |
| 7.GB.80 | Ophirite | Ca2Mg4[Zn2Mn3+2(H2O)2(Fe3+W9O34)2] · 46H2O |
Fluorescence of Szenicsite
Not fluorescent.
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 Szenicsite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-3862.html
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References for Szenicsite
Reference List:
Jambor, John L., Grew, Edward S., Roberts, Andrew C. (1994) New Mineral Names. American Mineralogist, 79 (11-12) 1210-1230 p.1210
Jambor, John L., Roberts, Andrew C. (1998) New mineral names. American Mineralogist, 83 (3-4) 400-403
Ismagilova, Reseda M., Zhitova, Elena S., Zolotarev, Andrey A., Krivovichev, Sergey V. (2019) Jahn–Teller distortion and thermal expansion anisotropy: temperature-dependent behavior of lindgrenite, Cu3(MoO4)2(OH)2, szenicsite, Cu3(MoO4)(OH)4, and cupromolybdite, Cu3O(MoO4)2. Physics and Chemistry of Minerals, 46 (5) 437-447 doi:10.1007/s00269-018-1014-6
Localities for Szenicsite
Showing 3 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.
Chile (TL) | |
| Francis et al. (1994) +2 other references |
| Mike Scott S102238 fm Cureton #CYN ID ... |
USA | |
| Confirmed by Raman spectroscopy at the ... |
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Jardinera pit, Delirio mine, San Pedro de Cachiyuyo mining district, Diego de Almagro, Chañaral Province, Atacama, Chile