Tsumebite
A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered
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About Tsumebite
Formula:
Pb2Cu(PO4)(SO4)(OH)
Colour:
Emerald-green sometimes bluish green; green in transmitted light.
Lustre:
Adamantine, Sub-Adamantine, Vitreous, Sub-Vitreous, Resinous, Waxy
Hardness:
3½
Specific Gravity:
6.13
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Member of:
Name:
Named in 1912 by Karl Heinrich Emil Georg Busz for the town of the type locality - Tsumeb, Southwest Africa (now Namibia).
The phosphate analogue of arsentsumebite.
A secondary mineral in polymetallic ore deposits.
Note: Chemically verified Tsumeb tsumebite is rare, and most unanalysed specimens so labelled are most likely arsentsumebite.
A secondary mineral in polymetallic ore deposits.
Note: Chemically verified Tsumeb tsumebite is rare, and most unanalysed specimens so labelled are most likely arsentsumebite.
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
4040
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:4040:8
IMA Classification of Tsumebite
Approved, 'Grandfathered' (first described prior to 1959)
IMA Formula:
Pb2+2Cu2+(PO4)(S6+O4)(OH)
First published:
1912
Classification of Tsumebite
8.BG.05
8 : PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, VANADATES
B : Phosphates, etc., with additional anions, without H2O
G : With medium-sized and large cations, (OH, etc.):RO4 = 0.5:1
8 : PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, VANADATES
B : Phosphates, etc., with additional anions, without H2O
G : With medium-sized and large cations, (OH, etc.):RO4 = 0.5:1
43.4.2.1
43 : COMPOUND PHOSPHATES, ETC.
4 : Anhydrous Compound Phosphates, etc·, Containing Hydroxyl or Halogen
43 : COMPOUND PHOSPHATES, ETC.
4 : Anhydrous Compound Phosphates, etc·, Containing Hydroxyl or Halogen
22.3.15
22 : Phosphates, Arsenates or Vanadates with other Anions
3 : Phosphates, arsenates or vanadates with sulphates
22 : Phosphates, Arsenates or Vanadates with other Anions
3 : Phosphates, arsenates or vanadates with sulphates
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Tsu | 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 Tsumebite
Pronunciation:
| Play | Recorded by | Country |
|---|---|---|
| Jolyon Ralph | United Kingdom | |
| Debbie Woolf | United Kingdom |
Physical Properties of Tsumebite
Adamantine, Sub-Adamantine, Vitreous, Sub-Vitreous, Resinous, Waxy
Transparency:
Transparent, Translucent
Comment:
Luster usually brilliant
Colour:
Emerald-green sometimes bluish green; green in transmitted light.
Streak:
White to faint green
Hardness:
3½ on Mohs scale
Tenacity:
Brittle
Cleavage:
None Observed
Fracture:
Irregular/Uneven
Density:
6.13 g/cm3 (Measured) 6.22 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Tsumebite
Type:
Biaxial (+)
RI values:
nα = 1.90 nβ = 1.92 nγ = 1.942
2V:
Measured: 90° , Calculated: 90°
Birefringence:
0.042
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.042
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 extreme
Optical Extinction:
Inclined
Pleochroism:
Weak
Comments:
Faint. X = Y = very pale blue to colorless; Z =
robin’s-egg-blue.
robin’s-egg-blue.
Comments:
Absorption: Z > X.
Chemistry of Tsumebite
Mindat Formula:
Pb2Cu(PO4)(SO4)(OH)
Element Weights:
Crystallography of Tsumebite
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Class (H-M):
2/m - Prismatic
Space Group:
P21/m
Setting:
P21/m
Cell Parameters:
a = 8.69 Å, b = 5.78 Å, c = 7.86 Å
β = 111.87°
β = 111.87°
Ratio:
a:b:c = 1.503 : 1 : 1.36
Unit Cell V:
366.38 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
2
Morphology:
Crusts of intergrown crystals.
Twinning:
Ubiquitous, with twin plane {122}, as trillings or more complex groups at times. Often thick tabular on {101} or {110}. {011} and {104} usually in oscillatory combination, producing a zig-zag suture in twins at times. {100} narrow and bright, {110} uneven or composite.
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) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0014449 | Tsumebite | Fanfani L, Zanazzi P F (1967) Structural similarities of some secondary lead minerals Mineralogical Magazine 36 522-529 |  | 1967 | Tsumeb, South West Africa | 0 | 293 |
CIF Raw Data - click here to close
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 4.70 Å | (30) |
| 3.92 Å | (20) |
| 3.24 Å | (100) |
| 2.94 Å | (40) |
| 2.90 Å | (70) |
| 2.72 Å | (40) |
| 2.62 Å | (30) |
| 2.27 Å | (40) |
Comments:
ICDD 29-568
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| Near-surface Processes | |
| 23 : Subaerial aqueous alteration by non-redox-sensitive fluids (see also #47) | |
| High-? alteration and/or metamorphism | |
| 32 : Ba/Mn/Pb/Zn deposits, including metamorphic deposits | |
| Stage 7: Great Oxidation Event | <2.4 |
| 47a : [Near-surface hydration of prior minerals] | |
| 47b : [Sulfates and sulfites] | |
| 47c : [Carbonates, phosphates, borates, nitrates] | |
| 47d : [Arsenates, antimonates, selenates, bismuthinates] |
Type Occurrence of Tsumebite
General Appearance of Type Material:
Crust
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
Destroyed by bombing.
Geological Setting of Type Material:
Oxidation zone.
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
Synonyms of Tsumebite
Other Language Names for Tsumebite
Relationship of Tsumebite to other Species
Member of:
Other Members of Brackebuschite Supergroup:
| Aldomarinoite | Sr2Mn3+(AsO4)2(OH) | Mon. 2/m : P21/m |
| Arsenbrackebuschite | Pb2Fe3+(AsO4)2(OH) | Mon. 2/m : P2/m |
| Arsentsumebite | Pb2Cu(AsO4)(SO4)(OH) | Mon. 2/m : P21/m |
| Bearthite | Ca2Al(PO4)2(OH) | Mon. 2/m : P21/m |
| Brackebuschite | Pb2Mn3+(VO4)2(OH) | Mon. 2/m : P21/m |
| Bushmakinite | Pb2Al(PO4)(VO4)(OH) | Mon. 2/m : P21/m |
| Calderónite | Pb2Fe3+(VO4)2(OH) | Mon. 2/m : P21/m |
| Canosioite | Ba2Fe3+(AsO4)2(OH) | Mon. 2/m : P21/m |
| Feinglosite | Pb2Zn(AsO4)2 · H2O | Mon. 2/m |
| Ferribushmakinite | Pb2Fe3+(PO4)(VO4)(OH) | Mon. 2/m : P21/m |
| Gamagarite | Ba2Fe3+(VO4)2(OH) | Mon. 2/m : P21/m |
| Goedkenite | Sr2Al(PO4)2(OH) | Mon. 2/m : P21/m |
| Grandaite | Sr2Al(AsO4)2(OH) | Mon. 2/m : P21/m |
| Lombardoite | Ba2Mn3+(AsO4)2(OH) | Mon. 2/m : P21/m |
| Tokyoite | Ba2Mn3+(VO4)2(OH) | Mon. 2/m : P21/m |
| 'Unnamed (possible ordered As-analogue of Tokyoite)' | Ba2Mn[(As,V)O4]2(OH) | Mon. 2/m : P21/m |
Forms a series with:
Common Associates
Associations Based on Photo Data:
| 17 photos of Tsumebite associated with Corkite | PbFe3+3(PO4)(SO4)(OH)6 |
| 14 photos of Tsumebite associated with Pyromorphite | Pb5(PO4)3Cl |
| 14 photos of Tsumebite associated with Azurite | Cu3(CO3)2(OH)2 |
| 11 photos of Tsumebite associated with Quartz | SiO2 |
| 9 photos of Tsumebite associated with Libethenite | Cu2(PO4)(OH) |
| 9 photos of Tsumebite associated with Malachite | Cu2(CO3)(OH)2 |
| 7 photos of Tsumebite associated with Smithsonite | ZnCO3 |
| 6 photos of Tsumebite associated with Mimetite | Pb5(AsO4)3Cl |
| 5 photos of Tsumebite associated with Cerussite | PbCO3 |
| 5 photos of Tsumebite associated with Tsumcorite | PbZn2(AsO4)2 · 2H2O |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 8.BG. | Aldomarinoite | Sr2Mn3+(AsO4)2(OH) |
| 8.BG. | Dongchuanite | Pb4ZnZn2(PO4)4(OH)2 |
| 8.BG. | Cuprodongchuanite | Pb4CuZn2(PO4)4(OH)2 |
| 8.BG. | Canosioite | Ba2Fe3+(AsO4)2(OH) |
| 8.BG.05 | Feinglosite | Pb2Zn(AsO4)2 · H2O |
| 8.BG.05 | Tokyoite | Ba2Mn3+(VO4)2(OH) |
| 8.BG.05 | Lombardoite | Ba2Mn3+(AsO4)2(OH) |
| 8.BG.05 | Bearthite | Ca2Al(PO4)2(OH) |
| 8.BG.05 | 'Unnamed (possible ordered As-analogue of Tokyoite)' | Ba2Mn[(As,V)O4]2(OH) |
| 8.BG.05 | Gamagarite | Ba2Fe3+(VO4)2(OH) |
| 8.BG.05 | Arsentsumebite | Pb2Cu(AsO4)(SO4)(OH) |
| 8.BG.05 | 'UM1994-19-PO:CuHMoPb' | Pb2Cu(PO4)(MoO4,AsO4,CrO4,GaO4)(OH) |
| 8.BG.05 | Ferribushmakinite | Pb2Fe3+(PO4)(VO4)(OH) |
| 8.BG.05 | Arsenbrackebuschite | Pb2Fe3+(AsO4)2(OH) |
| 8.BG.05 | Goedkenite | Sr2Al(PO4)2(OH) |
| 8.BG.05 | Brackebuschite | Pb2Mn3+(VO4)2(OH) |
| 8.BG.05 | Bushmakinite | Pb2Al(PO4)(VO4)(OH) |
| 8.BG.05 | Calderónite | Pb2Fe3+(VO4)2(OH) |
| 8.BG.10 | Mélonjosephite | CaFe2+Fe3+(PO4)2(OH) |
| 8.BG.15 | Tancoite | LiNa2Al(PO4)(PO3OH)(OH) |
| 8.BG.20 | Dmisokolovite | K3Cu5AlO2(AsO4)4 |
| 8.BG.25 | Shchurovskyite | K2CaCu6O2(AsO4)4 |
| 8.BG.30 | Wrightite | K2Al2O(AsO4)2 |
| 8.BG.35 | Polyarsite | Na7CaMgCu2(AsO4)4F2Cl |
Fluorescence of Tsumebite
Not fluorescent in UV
Other Information
Notes:
Readily soluble in HCl and slowly soluble in HNO3.
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 Tsumebite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-4040.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 Tsumebite
Reference List:
Rosický, V. (1913) Preslit, ein neues Mineral von Tsumeb in Deutsch-Südwestafrika. Zeitschrift für Kristallographie, 51 (1). 521 doi:10.1524/zkri.1913.51.1.521(as Preslite)
Larsen, Esper S. (1921) The microscopic determination of the nonopaque minerals. Bulletin 679. US Geological Survey doi:10.3133/b679 p.147
Localities for Tsumebite
Showing 43 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 | |
| Birch et al. (1997) |
| Day (1998) | |
Chile | |
| Ruiz Fuller C.-Peebles F. +1 other reference |
| T. Kampf analysis |
China | |
| Shen (n.d.) |
DR Congo | |
| Deliens (1996) |
France | |
| Boisson et al. (2017) |
| 54 (in German) +1 other reference |
| Wittern et al. (1997) |
Germany | |
| Walenta (1992) +1 other reference |
| Walenta (1992) +1 other reference |
| Petitjean et al. (2000) |
| |
| Petitjean et al. (2000) |
| Emser Hefte 1988 (1) +1 other reference |
| Weiß (1990) |
Italy | |
| Balassone et al. (2019) |
| Olmi F. et al. (1995) |
| Batacchi et al. (2013) |
| A.Costantini (2015) | |
Japan | |
| Masayuki Ohnishi and Norimasa Shimobayashi (2009) |
Namibia (TL) | |
| Busz (1912) +5 other references |
| Brandstätter et al. (2013) |
UK | |
| Embrey (1978) +4 other references |
| Stanley et al. (1991) | |
USA | |
| Luetcke (n.d.) |
| Palache et al. (1951) +2 other references |
| Ron Gibbs |
| Luetcke (n.d.) | |
| Luetcke (n.d.) | |
| Bideaux (1980) +1 other reference |
| Luetcke (n.d.) |
| Adams (2000) +1 other reference |
| Wise (1993) |
| mineralsocal.org (2020) |
| Collected by and in the collection of ... | |
| www.mineralnews.com (2002) |
| Waisman (1992) +1 other reference |
| Storm Sears collection |
| Castor et al. (2004) |
| Castor et al. (2004) |
| Northrop et al. (1996) |
| Betts (n.d.) |
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Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia