Zapatalite
A valid IMA mineral species
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About Zapatalite
General Emiliano Zapata
Formula:
Cu3Al4(PO4)3(OH)9 · 4H2O
Colour:
Pale blue to turquoise blue
Lustre:
Dull
Hardness:
1½
Specific Gravity:
3.016
Crystal System:
Tetragonal
Name:
Named after Emiliano Zapata (8 August 1879, Anenecuilco, Morelos, Mexico - 10 April 1919, Chinameca, Morelos, Mexico), peasant hero of the Mexican Revolution. He was the Mexican rebel leader who stated that "It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." He was a former sharecropper who organised and led peasants during the battles of the Mexican Revolution.
This page provides mineralogical data about Zapatalite.
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
4386
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:4386:7
IMA Classification of Zapatalite
Approved
IMA Formula:
Cu2+3Al4(PO4)3(OH)9·4H2O
Approval year:
1971
Classification of Zapatalite
8.DE.20
8 : PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, VANADATES
D : Phosphates, etc. with additional anions, with H2O
E : With only medium-sized cations, (OH, etc.):RO4 = 3:1
8 : PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, VANADATES
D : Phosphates, etc. with additional anions, with H2O
E : With only medium-sized cations, (OH, etc.):RO4 = 3:1
42.5.3.1
42 : HYDRATED PHOSPHATES, ETC.CONTAINING HYDROXYL OR HALOGEN
5 : (AB)7(XO4)3Zq·xH2O
42 : HYDRATED PHOSPHATES, ETC.CONTAINING HYDROXYL OR HALOGEN
5 : (AB)7(XO4)3Zq·xH2O
19.2.7
19 : Phosphates
2 : Phosphates of Cu
19 : Phosphates
2 : Phosphates of Cu
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Zap | 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 Zapatalite
Pronunciation:
| Play | Recorded by | Country |
|---|---|---|
| Jolyon Ralph | United Kingdom |
Physical Properties of Zapatalite
Dull
Transparency:
Translucent
Colour:
Pale blue to turquoise blue
Streak:
Pale blue
Hardness:
1½ on Mohs scale
Tenacity:
Sectile
Cleavage:
Distinct/Good
Good on {001}
Good on {001}
Density:
3.016(26) g/cm3 (Measured) 3.017 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Zapatalite
Type:
Uniaxial (-)
RI values:
nω = 1.646 nε = 1.635
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.011
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
Pleochroism:
Weak
Comments:
In shades of pale green
Comments:
May be biaxial
Chemistry of Zapatalite
Mindat Formula:
Cu3Al4(PO4)3(OH)9 · 4H2O
Element Weights:
Crystallography of Zapatalite
Crystal System:
Tetragonal
Cell Parameters:
a = 15.223 Å, c = 11.518 Å
Ratio:
a:c = 1 : 0.757
Unit Cell V:
2,669.18 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
6
Morphology:
Massive, botryoidal crusts.
Comment:
Point Group: n.d.; Space Group: n.d.
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 11.60 Å | (99) |
| 7.617 Å | (100) |
| 6.817 Å | (69) |
| 5.754 Å | (73) |
| 4.584 Å | (44) |
| 3.042 Å | (48) |
| 2.531 Å | (45) |
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| Stage 7: Great Oxidation Event | <2.4 |
| 47a : [Near-surface hydration of prior minerals] | |
| 47c : [Carbonates, phosphates, borates, nitrates] |
Geological Setting:
Oxidised zone of hydrothermal deposits.
Type Occurrence of Zapatalite
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
The Natural History Museum, London, England, 1972,174; National Museum of Natural History, Washington, D.C., USA, 135060
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
Synonyms of Zapatalite
Other Language Names for Zapatalite
Common Associates
Associations Based on Photo Data:
| 10 photos of Zapatalite associated with Quartz | SiO2 |
| 9 photos of Zapatalite associated with Pseudomalachite | Cu5(PO4)2(OH)4 |
| 9 photos of Zapatalite associated with Libethenite | Cu2(PO4)(OH) |
| 5 photos of Zapatalite associated with Ordoñezite | ZnSb2O6 |
| 4 photos of Zapatalite associated with Chenevixite | Cu2Fe3+2(AsO4)2(OH)4 |
| 2 photos of Zapatalite associated with Reichenbachite | Cu5(PO4)2(OH)4 |
| 2 photos of Zapatalite associated with Malachite | Cu2(CO3)(OH)2 |
| 1 photo of Zapatalite associated with Planerite | Al6(PO4)2(PO3OH)2(OH)8 · 4H2O |
| 1 photo of Zapatalite associated with 'Rashleighite' | Cu(Al,Fe)6(PO4)4(OH)8 · 5H2O |
| 1 photo of Zapatalite associated with Cacoxenite | Fe3+24AlO6(PO4)17(OH)12 · 75H2O |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 8.DE. | Arsenoveszelyite | Cu2Zn(AsO4)(OH)3 · 2H2O |
| 8.DE. | Kipushite | (Cu,Zn)5Zn(PO4)2(OH)6 · H2O |
| 8.DE. | Goldhillite | Cu5Zn(AsO4)2(OH)6 · H2O |
| 8.DE.05 | Senegalite | Al2(PO4)(OH)(OH)2 · H2O |
| 8.DE.10 | Fluellite | Al2(PO4)F2(OH) · 7H2O |
| 8.DE.15 | Bulachite | Al6(AsO4)3(OH)9(H2O)4 · 2H2O |
| 8.DE.25 | Ceruleite | Cu2Al7(AsO4)4(OH)13 · 11.5H2O |
| 8.DE.30 | Veszelyite | (Cu,Zn)2Zn(PO4)(OH)3 · 2H2O |
| 8.DE.35 | Philipsburgite | Cu5Zn(AsO4)(PO4)(OH)6 · H2O |
| 8.DE.40 | Juanitaite | (Cu,Ca,Fe)10Bi(AsO4)4(OH)11 · 2H2O |
| 8.DE.45 | Iangreyite | Ca2Al7(PO4)2(PO3OH)2(OH,F)15 · 8H2O |
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 Zapatalite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-4386.html
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Please feel free to link to this page.
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References for Zapatalite
Reference List:
Localities for Zapatalite
Showing 9 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 | |
| P. Elliott & U. Kolitsch (X-ray powder diffraction + SEM-EDS) |
Austria | |
| - (1994, July) |
Mexico | |
| Planer-Friedrich (2000) |
| ... |
| [Min Mag 38 (1972) +2 other references |
Portugal | |
| Mineralogical Society of America - ... +1 other reference |
Spain | |
| Joan Abella i Creus (Joanabellacreus@gmail.com) |
USA | |
| Photos in mindat galleries. Material ... |
| Castor et al. (2004) |
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Miguel Vacas Mine, Nossa Senhora da Conceição e São Bartolomeu, Vila Viçosa, Évora, Portugal