Wolfeite
A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered
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About Wolfeite
Caleb Wroe Wolfe
Formula:
Fe2+2(PO4)(OH)
Colour:
Red-brown to dark brown, green (rare); light brown in transmitted light.
Lustre:
Sub-Adamantine, Sub-Vitreous, Resinous, Greasy
Hardness:
4½ - 5
Specific Gravity:
3.79 - 3.82
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Member of:
Name:
Named in 1949 by Clifford Frondel in honour of Dr. Caleb Wroe Wolfe (22 October 1908, Washington, D.C., USA - 17 July 1980), American crystallographer and Professor of Geology at Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA, who was also a systematic mineralogist interested in granite pegmatite phosphates.
The mineral wroewolfeite is also named after him.
The mineral wroewolfeite is also named after him.
Isostructural with:
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
4304
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:4304:1
Similar Names
| Wulffite | A valid IMA mineral species | K3NaCu4O2(SO4)4 |
IMA Classification of Wolfeite
Approved, 'Grandfathered' (first described prior to 1959)
IMA Formula:
Fe2+2PO4(OH)
Classification of Wolfeite
8.BB.15
8 : PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, VANADATES
B : Phosphates, etc., with additional anions, without H2O
B : With only medium-sized cations, (OH, etc.):RO4 about 1:1
8 : PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, VANADATES
B : Phosphates, etc., with additional anions, without H2O
B : With only medium-sized cations, (OH, etc.):RO4 about 1:1
41.6.3.1
41 : ANHYDROUS PHOSPHATES, ETC.CONTAINING HYDROXYL OR HALOGEN
6 : A2(XO4)Zq
41 : ANHYDROUS PHOSPHATES, ETC.CONTAINING HYDROXYL OR HALOGEN
6 : A2(XO4)Zq
19.12.12
19 : Phosphates
12 : Phosphates of Mn
19 : Phosphates
12 : Phosphates of Mn
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Wol | 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 Wolfeite
Sub-Adamantine, Sub-Vitreous, Resinous, Greasy
Transparency:
Transparent, Translucent
Colour:
Red-brown to dark brown, green (rare); light brown in transmitted light.
Streak:
White, off-white.
Hardness:
4½ - 5 on Mohs scale
Tenacity:
Brittle
Cleavage:
Distinct/Good
On {010}, good; on {120}, fair; on {110}, very poor.
On {010}, good; on {120}, fair; on {110}, very poor.
Fracture:
Irregular/Uneven, Sub-Conchoidal
Density:
3.79 - 3.82 g/cm3 (Measured) 3.88 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Comment:
Density value of 3.83 estimated for the pure Fe2+ end member.
Optical Data of Wolfeite
Type:
Biaxial (+)
RI values:
nα = 1.741 - 1.750 nβ = 1.742 - 1.750 nγ = 1.746 - 1.759
2V:
Measured: 51°
Birefringence:
0.005
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.005 - 0.009
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:
strong
Pleochroism:
Weak
Comments:
Faintly pleochroic in thick grains.
Chemistry of Wolfeite
Mindat Formula:
Fe2+2(PO4)(OH)
Element Weights:
Elements listed:
Crystallography of Wolfeite
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Class (H-M):
2/m - Prismatic
Space Group:
P21/b
Setting:
P21/a
Cell Parameters:
a = 12.20 Å, b = 13.17 Å, c = 9.79 Å
β = 108°
β = 108°
Ratio:
a:b:c = 0.926 : 1 : 0.743
Unit Cell V:
1,496.01 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
16
Morphology:
Almost always massive, rare crystals prismatic [001], with the prism zone striated vertically.
Crystal Structure
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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) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0010412 | Wolfeite | Kolitsch U (2003) Mg-rich wolfeite, (Fe,Mg)2(PO4)(OH): structure refinement and Raman spectroscopic data Acta Crystallographica E59 i125-i128 |  | 2003 | Big Fish River area, Yukon Territory, Canada | 0 | 293 |
| 0010339 | Wolfeite | Hatert F (2007) Fe2(PO4)(OH), a synthetic analogue of wolfeite Acta Crystallographica C63 i119-i121 | | 2007 | synthetic | 2.5 | 293 |
CIF Raw Data - click here to close
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 3.649 Å | (25) |
| 3.381 Å | (20) |
| 3.191 Å | (80) |
| 3.098 Å | (100) |
| 2.929 Å | (70) |
| 2.881 Å | (30) |
| 2.817 Å | (60) |
Comments:
Hagendorf, Germany
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| Near-surface Processes | |
| 21 : Chemically precipitated carbonate, phosphate, iron formations | |
| High-? alteration and/or metamorphism | |
| 32 : Ba/Mn/Pb/Zn deposits, including metamorphic deposits | |
| Stage 4b: Highly evolved igneous rocks | >3.0 |
| 34 : Complex granite pegmatites | |
| Stage 5: Initiation of plate tectonics | <3.5-2.5 |
| 40 : Regional metamorphism (greenschist, amphibolite, granulite facies) | |
| Stage 7: Great Oxidation Event | <2.4 |
| 47a : [Near-surface hydration of prior minerals] | |
| 47c : [Carbonates, phosphates, borates, nitrates] |
Geological Setting:
Granitic pegmatites.
Type Occurrence of Wolfeite
Geological Setting of Type Material:
Granitic pegmatite.
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
Other Language Names for Wolfeite
Relationship of Wolfeite to other Species
Member of:
Other Members of Triplite Group:
| Triplite | Mn2+2(PO4)F | Mon. 2/m |
| Triploidite | Mn2+2(PO4)(OH) | Mon. 2/m : P2/b |
| Zwieselite | Fe2+2(PO4)F | Mon. 2/m : P21/b |
Forms a series with:
Common Associates
Associations Based on Photo Data:
| 13 photos of Wolfeite associated with Triphylite | LiFe2+PO4 |
| 4 photos of Wolfeite associated with Pyrite | FeS2 |
| 3 photos of Wolfeite associated with Vivianite | Fe2+Fe2+2(PO4)2 · 8H2O |
| 3 photos of Wolfeite associated with Siderite | FeCO3 |
| 3 photos of Wolfeite associated with Ludlamite | Fe2+3(PO4)2 · 4H2O |
| 3 photos of Wolfeite associated with Hagendorfite | NaCaMn2+Fe2+2(PO4)3 |
| 2 photos of Wolfeite associated with Chalcopyrite | CuFeS2 |
| 2 photos of Wolfeite associated with Sphalerite | ZnS |
| 2 photos of Wolfeite associated with 'Ferrisicklerite' | Li1-x(Fe3+xFe2+1-x)PO4 |
| 2 photos of Wolfeite associated with Heterosite | Fe3+(PO4) |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 8.BB. | Moabite | NiFe3+(PO4)O |
| 8.BB. | Tilasite | CaMg(AsO4)F |
| 8.BB. | Paulgrothite | Cu9Fe3+O4(PO4)4Cl3 |
| 8.BB. | Karlditmarite | Cu9O4(PO4)2(SO4)2 |
| 8.BB. | Milkovoite | Cu4O(PO4)(AsO4) |
| 8.BB.X | Arsenowagnerite | Mg2(AsO4)F |
| 8.BB.05 | Tavorite | LiFe3+(PO4)(OH) |
| 8.BB.05 | Amblygonite | LiAl(PO4)F |
| 8.BB.05 | Montebrasite | LiAl(PO4)(OH) |
| 8.BB.10 | Zwieselite | Fe2+2(PO4)F |
| 8.BB.10 | Triplite | Mn2+2(PO4)F |
| 8.BB.15 | 'Unnamed (Sb-analogue of Auriacusite)' | Fe3+Cu2+[(Sb,As)O4]O |
| 8.BB.15 | Joosteite | Mn2+(Mn3+,Fe3+)(PO4)O |
| 8.BB.15 | Hydroxylwagnerite | Mg2(PO4)(OH) |
| 8.BB.15 | Wagnerite | Mg2(PO4)F |
| 8.BB.15 | Stanĕkite | (Mn2+,Fe2+,Mg)Fe3+(PO4)O |
| 8.BB.15 | Triploidite | Mn2+2(PO4)(OH) |
| 8.BB.15 | Sarkinite | Mn2+2(AsO4)(OH) |
| 8.BB.20 | Holtedahlite | Mg2(PO4)(OH) |
| 8.BB.20 | Satterlyite | (Fe2+,Mg,Fe)12(PO4)5(PO3OH)(OH,O)6 |
| 8.BB.25 | Althausite | Mg4(PO4)2(OH,O)(F,◻) |
| 8.BB.30 | Zincolivenite | CuZn(AsO4)(OH) |
| 8.BB.30 | Adamite | Zn2(AsO4)(OH) |
| 8.BB.30 | Libethenite | Cu2(PO4)(OH) |
| 8.BB.30 | Zincolibethenite | CuZn(PO4)(OH) |
| 8.BB.30 | Eveite | Mn2+2(AsO4)(OH) |
| 8.BB.30 | Olivenite | Cu2(AsO4)(OH) |
| 8.BB.30 | Auriacusite | Fe3+Cu2+(AsO4)O |
| 8.BB.35 | Paradamite | Zn2(AsO4)(OH) |
| 8.BB.35 | Tarbuttite | Zn2(PO4)(OH) |
| 8.BB.40 | Barbosalite | Fe2+Fe3+2(PO4)2(OH)2 |
| 8.BB.40 | Scorzalite | Fe2+Al2(PO4)2(OH)2 |
| 8.BB.40 | Lazulite | MgAl2(PO4)2(OH)2 |
| 8.BB.40 | Meizhouite | Fe2+V3+2(PO4)2(OH)2 |
| 8.BB.40 | Hentschelite | CuFe3+2(PO4)2(OH)2 |
| 8.BB.40 | Wilhelmkleinite | ZnFe3+2(AsO4)2(OH)2 |
| 8.BB.45 | Dokuchaevite | Cu8O2(VO4)3Cl3 |
| 8.BB.45 | Trolleite | Al4(PO4)3(OH)3 |
| 8.BB.45 | Yaroshevskite | Cu9O2(VO4)4Cl2 |
| 8.BB.50 | Namibite | Cu(BiO)2(VO4)(OH) |
| 8.BB.50 | Aleutite | [Cu5O2](AsO4)(VO4) · (Cu,K,Pb,Rb,Cs,)Cl |
| 8.BB.52a | Ericlaxmanite | Cu4O(AsO4)2 |
| 8.BB.52b | Kozyrevskite | Cu4O(AsO4)2 |
| 8.BB.55 | Phosphoellenbergerite | (Mg,◻)2Mg12(PO4,PO3OH)6(PO3OH,CO3)2(OH)6 |
| 8.BB.55 | Popovite | Cu5O2(AsO4)2 |
| 8.BB.60 | Urusovite | CuAl(AsO4)O |
| 8.BB.65 | Theoparacelsite | Cu3(As2O7)(OH)2 |
| 8.BB.70 | Turanite | Cu5(VO4)2(OH)4 |
| 8.BB.75 | Stoiberite | Cu5(VO4)2O2 |
| 8.BB.80 | Fingerite | Cu11(VO4)6O2 |
| 8.BB.85 | Averievite | Cu6(VO4)2O2Cl2 |
| 8.BB.90 | Richellite | CaFe3+2(PO4)2(OH,F)2 |
| 8.BB.90 | Lipscombite | Fe2+Fe3+2(PO4)2(OH)2 |
| 8.BB.90 | Zinclipscombite | ZnFe3+2(PO4)2(OH)2 |
Fluorescence of Wolfeite
Not fluorescent in UV
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 Wolfeite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-4304.html
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References for Wolfeite
Reference List:
Larsen, Esper S. (1921) The microscopic determination of the nonopaque minerals. Bulletin 679. US Geological Survey doi:10.3133/b679
Müllbauer, F. (1924) Die Phosphatpegmatite von Hagendorf i. Bayern. (Neue Beobachtungen.) [The phosphate pegmatite of Hagendorf, Bavaria. (New observations.)]. Zeitschrift für Kristallographie, Kristallgeometrie, Kristallphysik, Kristallchemie, 61 (1). 318-336 doi:10.1524/zkri.1924.61.1.318
Richmond, Wallace E. (1940) Crystal chemistry of the phosphates, arsenates and vanadates of the type A2XO4(Z). American Mineralogist, 25 (7). 441-479 p.469
Frondel, Clifford (1949) Wolfeite, xanthoxenite and whitlockite from the Palermo Mine, New Hampshire. American Mineralogist, 34 (9-10) 692-705
Plimer, I. R., Blucher, I. D. (1979) Wolfeite and barbosalite from Thackaringa, Australia. Mineralogical Magazine, 43 (328) 505-507 doi:10.1180/minmag.1979.043.328.10
Antenucci, D., Fontan, F., Fransolet, A.-M. (1989) X-Ray Powder Diffraction Data for Wolfeite: (Fe0.59Mn0.40Mg0.01)2PO4(OH) Powder Diffraction, 4 (1) 34-35 doi:10.1017/s0885715600016304
Localities for Wolfeite
Showing 57 localities.
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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.
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Hagendorf South Pegmatite, Hagendorf, Waidhaus, Neustadt an der Waldnaab District, Upper Palatinate, Bavaria, Germany