Parawulffite
A valid IMA mineral species
This page is currently not sponsored. Click here to sponsor this page.
About Parawulffite
Georgiy V. Wulff
Formula:
K5Na3Cu8O4(SO4)8
Colour:
Dark green or deep emerald-green
Lustre:
Vitreous
Hardness:
2½
Specific Gravity:
3.35
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Name:
After its relation to wulffite. Para, after the greek παρά, beside and wulffite (which is named in honor of the Russian crystallographer Georgiy Viktorovich Wulff (1863–1925)).
Related to wulffite both chemically and structurally. One of four K-Na-Cu sulfate minerals beside euchlorine, piypite, and wulffite.
Structure details: (1) the heteropolyhedral quasi-framework of Cu–O–S, along [010], and Na(1)O6 octahedra chains ; (2) Cu–O–S chains comprise Cu-centered square pyramids ([4+1] coordination of Cu) and sulfate tetrahedra; (3) different ratios of alkali cations and their arrangement in cavities of the quasi-framework when compared to wulffite; (4) different configuration of Cu–O–S chains than that in wulffite.
Structure details: (1) the heteropolyhedral quasi-framework of Cu–O–S, along [010], and Na(1)O6 octahedra chains ; (2) Cu–O–S chains comprise Cu-centered square pyramids ([4+1] coordination of Cu) and sulfate tetrahedra; (3) different ratios of alkali cations and their arrangement in cavities of the quasi-framework when compared to wulffite; (4) different configuration of Cu–O–S chains than that in wulffite.
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
43899
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:43899:9
IMA Classification of Parawulffite
Classification of Parawulffite
7.BC.60
7 : SULFATES (selenates, tellurates, chromates, molybdates, wolframates)
B : Sulfates (selenates, etc.) with additional anions, without H2O
C : With medium-sized and large cations
7 : SULFATES (selenates, tellurates, chromates, molybdates, wolframates)
B : Sulfates (selenates, etc.) with additional anions, without H2O
C : With medium-sized and large cations
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Pwlf | 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 Parawulffite
Pronunciation:
| Play | Recorded by | Country |
|---|---|---|
| Jolyon Ralph | United Kingdom |
Physical Properties of Parawulffite
Vitreous
Transparency:
Transparent
Colour:
Dark green or deep emerald-green
Streak:
Light green
Hardness:
2½ on Mohs scale
Tenacity:
Brittle
Cleavage:
Perfect
One parallel to elongation, second coplanar with (010).
One parallel to elongation, second coplanar with (010).
Comment:
Laminated fracture
Density:
3.35(2) g/cm3 (Measured) 3.32 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Parawulffite
Type:
Biaxial (+)
RI values:
nα = 1.585(3) nγ = 1.717(4)
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.132
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
Comments:
Z = very strong, deep emerald-green; X = very pale green, almost colourless.
Comments:
Absorption: Z > X.
The perfect cleavage parallel to the elongation (causing laminated fracturing) and the very strong pleochroism prevented measurement of β and 2V values.
The perfect cleavage parallel to the elongation (causing laminated fracturing) and the very strong pleochroism prevented measurement of β and 2V values.
Chemistry of Parawulffite
Mindat Formula:
K5Na3Cu8O4(SO4)8
Element Weights:
Common Impurities:
Rb,Cs
Crystallography of Parawulffite
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Class (H-M):
2/m - Prismatic
Space Group:
P2/b
Setting:
P2/c
Cell Parameters:
a = 13.904(1) Å, b = 4.9765(3) Å, c = 23.586(2) Å
γ = 90.209(6)°
γ = 90.209(6)°
Ratio:
a:b:c = 2.794 : 1 : 4.739
Unit Cell V:
1631.98 ų
Z:
2
Morphology:
Imperfect prismatic crystals up to 0.4 × 0.2 mm, in clusters and crusts; [010] elongation often observed; commonly curved, blocky character.
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 9.06 Å | (100) |
| 7.00 Å | (23) |
| 5.903 Å | (12) |
| 3.096 Å | (31) |
| 2.736 Å | (33) |
| 2.674 Å | (11) |
| 2.492 Å | (24) |
| 2.321 Å | (26) |
Comments:
From Type Description.
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| Stage 7: Great Oxidation Event | <2.4 |
| 45a : [Sulfates, arsenates, selenates, antimonates] |
Type Occurrence of Parawulffite
General Appearance of Type Material:
Crude crystals or irregularly shaped grains.
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
Type material is deposited in the collections of the Fersman Mineralogical Museum of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia, registration number 4386/1.
Geological Setting of Type Material:
Incrustations on basalt scoria and on hematite.
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
Synonyms of Parawulffite
Other Language Names for Parawulffite
Dutch:Parawulffiet
German:Parawulffit
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 7.BC. | Viskontite | Pb5Cu2(SO4)3(SeO3)(OH)6 |
| 7.BC. | Zincochenite | Pb4Zn(OH)6(SO4)2 |
| 7.BC. | D'Ansite-(Mn) | Na21Mn2+(SO4)10Cl3 |
| 7.BC. | D'Ansite-(Fe) | Na21Fe2+(SO4)10Cl3 |
| 7.BC. | Acmonidesite | (NH4,K,Pb)8NaFe2+4(SO4)5Cl8 |
| 7.BC. | Adranosite | (NH4)4NaAl2(SO4)4Cl(OH)2 |
| 7.BC. | Chromviskontite | Pb5Cu2(CrO4)3(SeO3)(OH)6 |
| 7.BC. | Backite | Pb2AlTeO6Cl |
| 7.BC. | Adranosite-(Fe) | (NH4)4NaFe3+2(SO4)4Cl(OH)2 |
| 7.BC. | Agaite | Pb3CuTeO5(OH)2(CO3) |
| 7.BC. | Wildcatite | CaFe3+Te6+O5(OH) |
| 7.BC. | Hagstromite | Pb8Cu2+(Te6+O6)2(CO3)Cl4 |
| 7.BC.05 | D'Ansite | Na21Mg(SO4)10Cl3 |
| 7.BC.07 | 'Apatelite' | Fe3(SO4)2(OH)5 · 0.5H2O |
| 7.BC.07 | 'Unnamed (Ba-Fe Vanadate)' | Ba, Fe, V, O, H |
| 7.BC.10 | Jarosite | KFe3+3(SO4)2(OH)6 |
| 7.BC.10 | Dorallcharite | TlFe3+3(SO4)2(OH)6 |
| 7.BC.10 | Argentojarosite | AgFe3+3(SO4)2(OH)6 |
| 7.BC.10 | Natroalunite | NaAl3(SO4)2(OH)6 |
| 7.BC.10 | Natrojarosite | NaFe3(SO4)2(OH)6 |
| 7.BC.10 | Beaverite-(Cu) | Pb(Fe3+2Cu)(SO4)2(OH)6 |
| 7.BC.10 | Beaverite-(Zn) | Pb(Fe3+2Zn)(SO4)2(OH)6 |
| 7.BC.10 | Walthierite | Ba0.5Al3(SO4)2(OH)6 |
| 7.BC.10 | Huangite | Ca0.5Al3(SO4)2(OH)6 |
| 7.BC.10 | 'Natroalunite-2c' | (Na,Ca0.5,K)Al3(SO4)2(OH)6 |
| 7.BC.10 | Alunite | KAl3(SO4)2(OH)6 |
| 7.BC.10 | Plumbojarosite | Pb0.5Fe3+3(SO4)2(OH)6 |
| 7.BC.10 | Karlseifertite | Pb(Ga2Ge)(AsO4)2(OH)6 |
| 7.BC.10 | Hydroniumjarosite | (H3O)Fe3+3(SO4)2(OH)6 |
| 7.BC.10 | Ammonioalunite | (NH4)Al3(SO4)2(OH)6 |
| 7.BC.10 | Ammoniojarosite | (NH4)Fe3+3(SO4)2(OH)6 |
| 7.BC.10 | Osarizawaite | Pb(Al2Cu2+)(SO4)2(OH)6 |
| 7.BC.10 | Schlossmacherite | (H3O)Al3(SO4)2(OH)6 |
| 7.BC.15 | Ye'elimite | Ca4Al6(SO4)O12 |
| 7.BC.20 | Nabokoite | KCu7(SO4)5(Te4+O3)OCl |
| 7.BC.20 | Puninite | Na2Cu3O(SO4)3 |
| 7.BC.20 | Atlasovite | K(BiO)Cu6Fe3+(SO4)5O3Cl |
| 7.BC.25 | Chlorothionite | K2Cu(SO4)Cl2 |
| 7.BC.30 | Euchlorine | KNaCu3(SO4)3O |
| 7.BC.30 | Fedotovite | K2Cu3(SO4)3O |
| 7.BC.35 | Kamchatkite | KCu3(SO4)2OCl |
| 7.BC.40 | Piypite | K4Cu4O2(SO4)4 · (Na,Cu)Cl |
| 7.BC.45 | Alumoklyuchevskite | K3Cu3(Al,Fe3+)(SO4)4O2 |
| 7.BC.45 | Belousovite | KZn(SO4)Cl |
| 7.BC.45 | Klyuchevskite | K3Cu3(Fe3+,Al)(SO4)4O2 |
| 7.BC.47 | Müllerite | Pb2Fe3+(Te6+O6)Cl |
| 7.BC.50 | Caledonite | Pb5Cu2(SO4)3(CO3)(OH)6 |
| 7.BC.50 | Elasmochloite | Na3Cu6BiO4(SO4)5 |
| 7.BC.52 | Eleomelanite | (K2Pb)Cu4O2(SO4)4 |
| 7.BC.55 | Falgarite | K4(VO)3(SO4)5 |
| 7.BC.55 | Wherryite | Pb7Cu2(SO4)4(SiO4)2(OH)2 |
| 7.BC.57 | Krasheninnikovite | KNa2CaMg(SO4)3F |
| 7.BC.60 | Wulffite | K3NaCu4O2(SO4)4 |
| 7.BC.60 | Mammothite | Pb6Cu4AlSb5+O2(OH)16Cl4(SO4)2 |
| 7.BC.62 | Shuvalovite | K2(Ca2Na)(SO4)3F |
| 7.BC.65 | Saccoite | Ca2Mn3+2F(OH)8 · 0.5(SO4) |
| 7.BC.65 | Linarite | PbCu(SO4)(OH)2 |
| 7.BC.65 | Therasiaite | (NH4)3KNa2Fe2+Fe3+(SO4)3Cl5 |
| 7.BC.65 | Franksousaite | PbCu(Se6+O4)(OH)2 |
| 7.BC.65 | Munakataite | Pb2Cu2(Se4+O3)(SO4)(OH)4 |
| 7.BC.65 | Schmiederite | Pb2Cu2(Se6+O4)(Se4+O3)(OH)4 |
| 7.BC.70 | Chenite | Pb4Cu(SO4)2(OH)6 |
| 7.BC.75 | Krivovichevite | Pb3Al(OH)6(SO4)(OH) |
| 7.BC.80 | Anhydrokainite | KMg(SO4)Cl |
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) | 12.1777% | 3,775 | 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
IR Spectrum:
[cm-1]: 1212s, 1202s, 1149s, 1116s (asymmetric stretching of sulfate), 1036s, 1006s, 981s [symmetric stretching of sulfate), 690, 665, 642, 618, 572, 550 (bending of sulfate), 503, 450 [lattice modes: stretching of shorter bonds in Cu-center
Notes:
Slowly dissolves in room temperature water.
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 Parawulffite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-43899.html
Please feel free to link to this page.
Please feel free to link to this page.
Search Engines:
External Links:
Mineral Dealers:
References for Parawulffite
Reference List:
Williams, P. A., Hatert, F., Pasero, M., Mills, S. J. (2013) New minerals and nomenclature modifications approved in 2013. CNMNC Newsletter No.17. Mineralogical Magazine, 77 (7) 2997-3005 doi:10.1180/minmag.2013.077.7.09
Pekov, I. V., Zubkova, N. V., Yapaskurt, V. O., Belakovskiy, D. I., Chukanov, N. V., Lykova, I. S., Savelyev, D. P., Sidorov, E. G., Pushcharovsky, D. Y. (2014) Wulffite, K3NaCu4O2(SO4)4, and parawulffite, K5Na3Cu8O4(SO4)8, two new minerals from fumarole sublimates of the Tolbachik Volcano, Kamchatka, Russia. The Canadian Mineralogist, 52 (4) 699-716 doi:10.3749/canmin.1400018
Localities for Parawulffite
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.
Russia | |
| Dealer label. |
| Williams et al. (2013) +1 other reference |
| Sharygin et al. (2018) |
Quick NavTopAbout ParawulffiteUnique IdentifiersIMA Classification Classification Mineral SymbolsPronunciation Physical Properties Optical Data Chemistry Crystallography X-Ray Powder DiffractionGeological EnvironmentType Occurrence SynonymsOther LanguagesStrunz-MindatRadioactivityOther InformationInternet Links References Localities Locality List
2012-2013 Fissure Tolbachik Eruption site, Plosky Tolbachik Volcano, Tolbachik Volcanic field, Milkovsky District, Kamchatka Krai, Russia