Tlalocite
A valid IMA mineral species
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About Tlalocite
Tlaloc
Formula:
Cu10Zn6(Te6+O4)2(Te4+O3)(OH)25Cl · 27H2O
Colour:
Blue
Hardness:
1
Specific Gravity:
4.55
Crystal System:
Orthorhombic
Name:
Named after "Tlaloc", the Aztec god of rain, alluding to its high water content.
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
3982
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:3982:2
IMA Classification of Tlalocite
Approved
IMA Formula:
Cu2+10Zn2+6(Te4+O3)(Te6+O4)2Cl(OH)25·27H2O
Approval year:
1974
First published:
1975
Classification of Tlalocite
7.DE.20
7 : SULFATES (selenates, tellurates, chromates, molybdates, wolframates)
D : Sulfates (selenates, etc.) with additional anions, with H2O
E : With only medium-sized cations; unclassified
7 : SULFATES (selenates, tellurates, chromates, molybdates, wolframates)
D : Sulfates (selenates, etc.) with additional anions, with H2O
E : With only medium-sized cations; unclassified
Dana 7th ed.:
33.3.2.1
33.3.2.1
33 : SELENATES AND TELLURATES
3 : Compound Selenates and Tellurates
33 : SELENATES AND TELLURATES
3 : Compound Selenates and Tellurates
28.4.4
28 : Selenites, Selenates, Tellurites, and Tellurates
4 : Tellurates
28 : Selenites, Selenates, Tellurites, and Tellurates
4 : Tellurates
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Tla | 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 Tlalocite
Transparency:
Translucent
Colour:
Blue
Streak:
Very pale blue
Hardness:
1 on Mohs scale
Tenacity:
Sectile
Comment:
Gummy and sectile
Density:
4.55(1) g/cm3 (Measured) 4.58 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Tlalocite
Type:
Biaxial (-)
RI values:
nα = 1.758(2) nβ = 1.796(2) nγ = 1.810(5)
2V:
Measured: 64° , Calculated: 61°
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.052
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:
Moderate
Dispersion:
r > v
Pleochroism:
Visible
Comments:
X= green
Y=Z= bluish green
Y=Z= bluish green
Chemistry of Tlalocite
Mindat Formula:
Cu10Zn6(Te6+O4)2(Te4+O3)(OH)25Cl · 27H2O
Element Weights:
Crystallography of Tlalocite
Crystal System:
Orthorhombic
Cell Parameters:
a = 16.780(3) Å, b = 19.985(4) Å, c = 12.069(3) Å
Ratio:
a:b:c = 0.84 : 1 : 0.604
Unit Cell V:
4,047.32 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
4
Morphology:
Velvety crusts of spherules, arcuate bands of laths
Comment:
Point Group: n.d.; Space Group: n.d.
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 16.787 Å | (10) |
| 4.201 Å | (10) |
| 8.394 Å | (8) |
| 3.355 Å | (6) |
| 1.560 Å | (5) |
| 2.796 Å | (3) |
| 2.588 Å | (3b) |
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| Stage 7: Great Oxidation Event | <2.4 |
| 47a : [Near-surface hydration of prior minerals] | |
| 47e : [Vanadates, chromates, manganates] | |
| 47g : [Halogen-bearing surface weathering minerals] |
Type Occurrence of Tlalocite
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
Natural History Museum, Paris; National School of Mines, Paris, France; The Natural History Museum, London, England; Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 119091; National Museum of Natural History, Washington, D.C., USA, 135057.
Geological Setting of Type Material:
Partially oxidized hydrothermal deposit.
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
Synonyms of Tlalocite
Other Language Names for Tlalocite
Common Associates
Associations Based on Photo Data:
| 6 photos of Tlalocite associated with Hessite | Ag2Te |
| 4 photos of Tlalocite associated with Stützite | Ag5-xTe3, x = 0.24-0.36 |
| 4 photos of Tlalocite associated with Tlapallite | (Ca,Pb)3CaCu6[Te4+3Te6+O12]2(Te4+O3)2(SO4)2 · 3H2O |
| 3 photos of Tlalocite associated with Teineite | Cu2+(Te4+O3) · 2H2O |
| 3 photos of Tlalocite associated with Graemite | Cu[TeO3] · H2O |
| 3 photos of Tlalocite associated with Azurite | Cu3(CO3)2(OH)2 |
| 2 photos of Tlalocite associated with Quetzalcoatlite | Zn6Cu3(TeO6)2(OH)6 · AgxPbyClx+2y |
| 1 photo of Tlalocite associated with Benleonardite | [Ag6(Sb,As)2S6Te][Ag9Cu(S,Te)2Te2] |
| 1 photo of Tlalocite associated with Tenorite | CuO |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 7.DE. | Magnesioalterite | Mg2Fe3+4(SO4)4(C2O4)2(OH)4 · 17H2O |
| 7.DE. | Fabritzite | Zn9(SO4)2(OH)12Cl2 · 6H2O |
| 7.DE. | Cossaite | (Mg0.5,◻)Al6(SO4)6(HSO4)F6 · 36H2O |
| 7.DE. | Downsite | K2(MoO3)3(SO4) · 4H2O |
| 7.DE. | Liangjunite | K2(Mo2O5)(SO4)2 · 3H2O |
| 7.DE.05 | Mangazeite | Al2(SO4)(OH)4 · 3H2O |
| 7.DE.10 | 'UKI-1975-(SO:AlCu)' | (Cu, Al, SO4, H2O) |
| 7.DE.10 | Carbonatecyanotrichite | Cu4Al2(CO3,SO4)(OH)12 · 2H2O |
| 7.DE.10 | Cyanotrichite | Cu4Al2(SO4)(OH)12 · 2H2O |
| 7.DE.15 | Schwertmannite | Fe3+16(OH,SO4)12-13O16 · 10-12H2O |
| 7.DE.25 | Utahite | MgCu4Zn2Te6+3O14(OH)4 · 6H2O |
| 7.DE.35 | Coquandite | Sb6+xO8+x(SO4)(OH)x(H2O)1- x (x = 0.3) |
| 7.DE.40 | Osakaite | Zn4(SO4)(OH)6 · 5H2O |
| 7.DE.42 | Alterite | Zn2Fe3+4(SO4)4(C2O4)2(OH)4 · 17H2O |
| 7.DE.45 | Barrotite | Cu9Al(HSiO4)2[(SO4)(HAsO4)0.5](OH)12 · 8H2O |
| 7.DE.45 | Wilcoxite | MgAl(SO4)2F · 17H2O |
| 7.DE.47 | Tiberiobardiite | {Cu9Al[SiO3(OH)]2(OH)12(H2O)6}(SO4)1.5 · 10H2O |
| 7.DE.50 | Bouškaite | (MoO2)2O(SO3OH)2(H2O)4 |
| 7.DE.50 | Stanleyite | (V4+O)(SO4) · 6H2O |
| 7.DE.57 | 'Khangalasite' | Fe(SO4)(OH) · 2H2O |
| 7.DE.60 | Hydrobasaluminite | Al4(SO4)(OH)10 · 12-36H2O |
| 7.DE.62 | Volaschioite | Fe4(SO4)O2(OH)6 · 2H2O |
| 7.DE.65 | Zaherite | Al12(SO4)5(OH)26 · 20H2O |
| 7.DE.75 | Camérolaite | Cu6Al3(OH)18(H2O)2[Sb(OH)6](SO4) |
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 Tlalocite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-3982.html
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References for Tlalocite
Reference List:
Williams, S. A. (1975) Xocomecatlite, Cu3TeO4(OH)4, and tlalocite, Cu10Zn6(TeO3)(TeO4)2Cl(OH)25·27H2O, two new minerals from Moctezuma, Sonora, Mexico. Mineralogical Magazine, 40 (311) 221-226 doi:10.1180/minmag.1975.040.311.01
Localities for Tlalocite
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.
Mexico | |
| |
| Williams (1975) |
USA | |
| Housley R. +1 other reference |
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Bambollita Mine, Moctezuma, Moctezuma Municipality, Sonora, Mexico