Wellsite
A variety of Phillipsite Subgroup
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About Wellsite
Horace Lemuel Wells
Formula:
(K,Ba,Ca,K2)Al2Si6O16 · 6H2O
Colour:
Colorless, white
Lustre:
Sub-Vitreous
Hardness:
4 - 4½
Specific Gravity:
2.25
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Name:
Wellsite is a barian Phillipsite-Ca. Originally described from from Buck Creek Mine (Cullakenee Mine), Buck Creek, Clay Co., North Carolina, USA by Joseph Hyde Pratt and Henry W. Foote in 1897 in honor of Horace L. Wells [October 5, 1855 New Britain, Connecticut, USA - December 19, 1924 New Haven, Connecticut, USA]. Wells was an important mineral chemist and educator. He named the new species beryllonite, but is especially noted for his research on the chemistry of cesium and rubidium using lepidolite from Mount Mica, Paris, Maine and pollucite from Mount Rubellite, Hebron, Maine, USA. Wells also researched granite pegmatites, phosphate minerals, nitrates, thallium, selenium, tellurium, halogens, and cyanides. He also authored books on chemical calculations and analytical techniques.
First Recorded Locality:
Old name for Ba-bearing to -rich phillipsite. Fairly common in various rocks. The Ba-dominant endmember is harmotome.
Usually occurs as small, white to colorless square twinned prisms.
Usually occurs as small, white to colorless square twinned prisms.
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
4265 (as Wellsite)
3192 (as Phillipsite Subgroup)
3192 (as Phillipsite Subgroup)
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:4265:5 (as Wellsite)
mindat:1:1:3192:5 (as Phillipsite Subgroup)
mindat:1:1:3192:5 (as Phillipsite Subgroup)
Similar Names
| Wallisite | A valid IMA mineral species | (Cu,Ag)TlPbAs2S5 |
IMA Classification of Wellsite
Discredited
Classification of Wellsite
16.12.13
16 : Silicates Containing Aluminum and other Metals
12 : Aluminosilicates of Sr, Ba and Zn
16 : Silicates Containing Aluminum and other Metals
12 : Aluminosilicates of Sr, Ba and Zn
Pronunciation of Wellsite
Pronunciation:
| Play | Recorded by | Country |
|---|---|---|
| Jolyon Ralph | United Kingdom |
Physical Properties of Wellsite
Sub-Vitreous
Transparency:
Transparent, Translucent
Colour:
Colorless, white
Hardness:
4 - 4½ on Mohs scale
Tenacity:
Brittle
Cleavage:
Distinct/Good
Distinct on the {010}, indistinct on the {001}
Distinct on the {010}, indistinct on the {001}
Density:
2.25 g/cm3 (Measured)
Optical Data of Wellsite
Type:
Biaxial (+)
RI values:
nα = 1.4985 nβ = 1.5005 nγ = 1.5035
2V:
Measured: 45°
Birefringence:
0.0050
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.005
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.
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.
Surface Relief:
Moderate
Dispersion:
none
Chemistry of Wellsite
Mindat Formula:
(K,Ba,Ca,K2)Al2Si6O16 · 6H2O
Element Weights:
Common Impurities:
Mg,Sr,Na
Crystallography of Wellsite
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Class (H-M):
2/m - Prismatic
Space Group:
P21/m
Setting:
P21/m
Cell Parameters:
a = 9.91 Å, b = 14.24 Å, c = 8.7 Å
β = 124.65°
β = 124.65°
Ratio:
a:b:c = 0.696 : 1 : 0.611
Unit Cell V:
1,009.98 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
2
Morphology:
Rod-like crystals with square cross-section
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 8.1 Å | (30) |
| 7.2 Å | (30) |
| 6.4 Å | (30) |
| 5.0 Å | (20) |
| 4.07 Å | (80b) |
| 3.153 Å | (100b) |
| 2.903 Å | (20) |
| 2.688 Å | (80b) |
| 2.501 Å | (30) |
| 2.342 Å | (30b) |
| 2.217 Å | (10) |
| 2.131 Å | (30) |
| 2.040) Å | (30) |
| 1.939 Å | (30) |
| 1.802 Å | (10) |
| 1.762 Å | (20) |
| 1.699 Å | (50) |
| 1.667 Å | (10) |
| 1.635 Å | (10) |
| 1.585 Å | (10) |
| 1.528 Å | (30) |
| 1.474 Å | (20) |
| 1.420 Å | (10b) |
| 1.365 Å | (50) |
| 1.321 Å | (20) |
| 1.263 Å | (20b) |
| 1.209 Å | (10b) |
| 1.168 Å | (20b) |
Comments:
ICDD 12-541 (Vezna, Czech Republic)
First Recorded Occurrence of Wellsite
Other Language Names for Wellsite
Common Associates
Associations Based on Photo Data:
| 5 photos of Wellsite associated with Analcime | Na(AlSi2O6) · H2O |
| 3 photos of Wellsite associated with Heulandite Subgroup | (Na/Ca/K)5-6[Al8-9 Si27-28 O72] · nH2O |
| 2 photos of Wellsite associated with 'Phacolite' | |
| 1 photo of Wellsite associated with Calcite | CaCO3 |
Radioactivity
Radioactivity:
| Element | % Content | Activity (Bq/kg) | Radiation Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uranium (U) | 0.0000% | 0 | α, β, γ |
| Thorium (Th) | 0.0000% | 0 | α, β, γ |
| Potassium (K) | 6.2492% | 1,937 | β, γ |
For comparison:
- Banana: ~15 Bq per fruit
- Granite: 1,000–3,000 Bq/kg
- EU exemption limit: 10,000 Bq/kg
Note: Risk is shown relative to daily recommended maximum exposure to non-background radiation of 1000 µSv/year. Note that natural background radiation averages around 2400 µSv/year so in reality these risks are probably extremely overstated! With infrequent handling and safe storage natural radioactive minerals do not usually pose much risk.
Interactive Simulator:
Note: The mass selector refers to the mass of radioactive mineral present, not the full specimen, also be aware that the matrix may also be radioactive, possibly more radioactive than this mineral!
Activity: –
| Distance | Dose rate | Risk |
|---|---|---|
| 1 cm | ||
| 10 cm | ||
| 1 m |
The external dose rate (D) from a radioactive mineral is estimated by summing the gamma radiation contributions from its Uranium, Thorium, and Potassium content, disregarding daughter-product which may have a significant effect in some cases (eg 'pitchblende'). This involves multiplying the activity (A, in Bq) of each element by its specific gamma ray constant (Γ), which accounts for its unique gamma emissions. The total unshielded dose at 1 cm is then scaled by the square of the distance (r, in cm) and multiplied by a shielding factor (μshield). This calculation provides a 'worst-case' or 'maximum risk' estimate because it assumes the sample is a point source and entirely neglects any self-shielding where radiation is absorbed within the mineral itself, meaning actual doses will typically be lower. The resulting dose rate (D) is expressed in microsieverts per hour (μSv/h).
D = ((AU × ΓU) + (ATh × ΓTh) + (AK × ΓK)) / r2 × μshield
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 Wellsite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-4265.html
Please feel free to link to this page.
Please feel free to link to this page.
Search Engines:
Mineral Dealers:
References for Wellsite
Reference List:
Coombs, Douglas S., Alberti, Alberto, Armbruster, Thomas, Artioli, Gilberto, Colella, Carmine, Galli, Ermanno, Grice, Joel D., Liebau, Friedrich, Mandarino, Joseph A., Minato, Hideo, et al. (1997) Recommended nomenclature for zeolite minerals; report of the Subcommittee on Zeolites of the International Mineralogical Association, Commission on New Minerals and Mineral Names. The Canadian Mineralogist, 35 (6). 1571-1606
Localities for Wellsite
Showing 22 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.
Austria | |
| - (n.d.) +1 other reference |
| Niedermayr et al. (1995) |
| Exel (1993) |
| Postl et al. (1996) |
Czech Republic | |
| M.Radoň-Významné mineralogické lokality Českého středohoří (čas.Minerál 2/2009) |
| Černý et al. (1979) +1 other reference |
| Černý (1963) +1 other reference | |
France | |
| Robert (1988) |
| Robert (1988) |
Germany | |
| |
Italy | |
| Galli (1972) +2 other references |
| Capolupi (1995) | |
UK | |
| Adair (1986) +1 other reference |
Ukraine | |
| World of Stones v.9 | |
| A. Tischenko. Minerals of the Crimea - ... |
| Dvoichenko (1914) +1 other reference |
USA | |
| Tony Kampf (PXRD analysis) +3 other references |
| Rocks & Minerals 79:5 pp316-324 |
| Wayne C. Shanks et al. (2012) | |
| Pratt et al. (Clay County,North Carolina,American Journal Of Science,Series 4,Vol 3.June 1897,P.443-448) |
| Miklancic collection #1742/77 |
| Bargar et al. (1997) |
Quick NavTopAbout WellsiteUnique IdentifiersSimilar NamesIMA Classification Classification Pronunciation Physical Properties Optical Data Chemistry Crystallography X-Ray Powder DiffractionFirst Recorded Occurrence Other LanguagesCommon AssociatesRadioactivityOther InformationInternet Links References Localities Locality List
Monte Calvarina, Roncà, Verona Province, Veneto, Italy