Utahite
A valid IMA mineral species
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About Utahite
Flag of Utah
Formula:
MgCu4Zn2Te6+3O14(OH)4 · 6H2O
formerly given as Cu5Zn3(TeO4)4(OH)8.7H2O; changed due to approval of the proposal IMA 20-C
Colour:
Light blue, blue-green
Lustre:
Vitreous, Pearly
Hardness:
4 - 5
Specific Gravity:
5.33 (Calculated)
Crystal System:
Triclinic
Name:
Named by Andrew C. Roberts, J.A.R. Stirling, A.J. Criddle, M.C. Jensen, E.A. Moffatt, and W.E. Wilson in 1997 for the state of Utah, U.S.A. that includes the type locality.
Not to be confused with Utahlite, a synonym of Variscite.
Not to be confused with Utahlite, a synonym of Variscite.
Type Locality:
Unique combination of elements (status: July 2021).
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
7348
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:7348:2
Similar Names
| Utahite (of Damour) | A synonym of Hydroniumjarosite |
| Utahlite | A synonym of Variscite |
IMA Classification of Utahite
Approved
IMA Formula:
MgCu2+4Zn2+2Te6+3O14(OH)4·6H2O
Approval year:
1995
First published:
1997
Classification of Utahite
7.DE.25
7 : SULFATES (selenates, tellurates, chromates, molybdates, wolframates)
D : Sulfates (selenates, etc.) with additional anions, with H2O
E : With only medium-sized cations; unclassified
7 : SULFATES (selenates, tellurates, chromates, molybdates, wolframates)
D : Sulfates (selenates, etc.) with additional anions, with H2O
E : With only medium-sized cations; unclassified
Dana 7th ed.:
33.1.5.1
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Uta | 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 Utahite
Vitreous, Pearly
Transparency:
Transparent, Translucent
Colour:
Light blue, blue-green
Streak:
Pale blue
Hardness:
4 - 5 on Mohs scale
Tenacity:
Brittle
Fracture:
Irregular/Uneven
Density:
5.33 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Utahite
Type:
Biaxial
RI values:
nα = 1.83 - 1.84 nβ = 1.83 - 1.9 nγ = 1.88 - 1.9
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.050 - 0.060
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
Anisotropism:
Anisotropy is unknown; it is masked by the internal reflections
Dispersion:
strong
Optical Extinction:
Does not extinguish
Colour in reflected light:
Very pale brown
Internal Reflections:
Pale green
Chemistry of Utahite
Mindat Formula:
MgCu4Zn2Te6+3O14(OH)4 · 6H2O
formerly given as Cu5Zn3(TeO4)4(OH)8.7H2O; changed due to approval of the proposal IMA 20-C
formerly given as Cu5Zn3(TeO4)4(OH)8.7H2O; changed due to approval of the proposal IMA 20-C
Element Weights:
Crystallography of Utahite
Crystal System:
Triclinic
Class (H-M):
1 - Pinacoidal
Space Group:
P1
Cell Parameters:
a = 5.6831(4) Å, b = 8.7793(6) Å, c = 9.9818(9) Å
α = 95.415(7)°, β = 104.129(7)°, γ = 90.098(6)°
α = 95.415(7)°, β = 104.129(7)°, γ = 90.098(6)°
Ratio:
a:b:c = 0.647 : 1 : 1.137
Unit Cell V:
480.65 ų
Morphology:
Prismatic to thin tabular to bladed crystals, elongated along [001], showing {010} and {001}.
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 9.638 Å | (100) |
| 4.841 Å | (100) |
| 2.747 Å | (60) |
| 8.736 Å | (50) |
| 2.600 Å | (45) |
| 6.862 Å | (40) |
| 6.172 Å | (40) |
| 4.152 Å | (40) |
| 3.129 Å | (40) |
| 2.165 Å | (40) |
Comments:
Centennial Eureka mine, Utah, USA. Data from the type description.
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| Stage 7: Great Oxidation Event | <2.4 |
| 47a : [Near-surface hydration of prior minerals] | |
| 47e : [Vanadates, chromates, manganates] | |
| Stage 10b: Anthropogenic minerals | <10 Ka |
| 55 : Anthropogenic mine minerals |
Type Occurrence of Utahite
General Appearance of Type Material:
Parallel to subparallel aggregates, to 0.6 mm, also as sheaves and bowtie like groups.
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
Canadian Geological Survey, Ottawa, Canada, 67415.
The Natural History Museum, London, England, 1994,99.
The Natural History Museum, London, England, 1994,99.
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
Synonyms of Utahite
Other Language Names for Utahite
Common Associates
Associations Based on Photo Data:
| 6 photos of Utahite associated with Leisingite | Cu2MgTe6+O6 · 6H2O |
| 4 photos of Utahite associated with Quartz | SiO2 |
| 3 photos of Utahite associated with Yafsoanite | Ca3Te6+2(ZnO4)3 |
| 2 photos of Utahite associated with Goethite | Fe3+O(OH) |
| 1 photo of Utahite associated with Zemannite | Mg0.5ZnFe3+(Te4+O3)3 · 4.5H2O |
| 1 photo of Utahite associated with Mcalpineite | Cu3(Te6+O6) |
| 1 photo of Utahite associated with Raisaite | CuMg[Te6+O4(OH)2] · 6H2O |
| 1 photo of Utahite associated with Native Gold | Au |
| 1 photo of Utahite associated with Eurekadumpite | (Cu,Zn)16(TeO3)2(AsO4)3Cl(OH)18 · 7H2O |
| 1 photo of Utahite associated with Baryte | BaSO4 |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 7.DE. | Magnesioalterite | Mg2Fe3+4(SO4)4(C2O4)2(OH)4 · 17H2O |
| 7.DE. | Fabritzite | Zn9(SO4)2(OH)12Cl2 · 6H2O |
| 7.DE. | Cossaite | (Mg0.5,◻)Al6(SO4)6(HSO4)F6 · 36H2O |
| 7.DE. | Downsite | K2(MoO3)3(SO4) · 4H2O |
| 7.DE. | Liangjunite | K2(Mo2O5)(SO4)2 · 3H2O |
| 7.DE.05 | Mangazeite | Al2(SO4)(OH)4 · 3H2O |
| 7.DE.10 | 'UKI-1975-(SO:AlCu)' | (Cu, Al, SO4, H2O) |
| 7.DE.10 | Carbonatecyanotrichite | Cu4Al2(CO3,SO4)(OH)12 · 2H2O |
| 7.DE.10 | Cyanotrichite | Cu4Al2(SO4)(OH)12 · 2H2O |
| 7.DE.15 | Schwertmannite | Fe3+16(OH,SO4)12-13O16 · 10-12H2O |
| 7.DE.20 | Tlalocite | Cu10Zn6(Te6+O4)2(Te4+O3)(OH)25Cl · 27H2O |
| 7.DE.35 | Coquandite | Sb6+xO8+x(SO4)(OH)x(H2O)1- x (x = 0.3) |
| 7.DE.40 | Osakaite | Zn4(SO4)(OH)6 · 5H2O |
| 7.DE.42 | Alterite | Zn2Fe3+4(SO4)4(C2O4)2(OH)4 · 17H2O |
| 7.DE.45 | Barrotite | Cu9Al(HSiO4)2[(SO4)(HAsO4)0.5](OH)12 · 8H2O |
| 7.DE.45 | Wilcoxite | MgAl(SO4)2F · 17H2O |
| 7.DE.47 | Tiberiobardiite | {Cu9Al[SiO3(OH)]2(OH)12(H2O)6}(SO4)1.5 · 10H2O |
| 7.DE.50 | Bouškaite | (MoO2)2O(SO3OH)2(H2O)4 |
| 7.DE.50 | Stanleyite | (V4+O)(SO4) · 6H2O |
| 7.DE.57 | 'Khangalasite' | Fe(SO4)(OH) · 2H2O |
| 7.DE.60 | Hydrobasaluminite | Al4(SO4)(OH)10 · 12-36H2O |
| 7.DE.62 | Volaschioite | Fe4(SO4)O2(OH)6 · 2H2O |
| 7.DE.65 | Zaherite | Al12(SO4)5(OH)26 · 20H2O |
| 7.DE.75 | Camérolaite | Cu6Al3(OH)18(H2O)2[Sb(OH)6](SO4) |
Fluorescence of Utahite
Nonfluorescent under both longwave and shortwave ultraviolet light.
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 Utahite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-7348.html
Please feel free to link to this page.
Please feel free to link to this page.
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References for Utahite
Localities for Utahite
Showing 7 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.
USA | |
| Dr. Peter Megaw |
| Specimens analyzed by the University of ... | |
| Kampf et al. (2022) |
| Thorne (n.d.) |
| Collected by and in the collection of ... | |
| Collected by and in the collection of ... | |
| Roberts et al. (1997) +2 other references |
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Empire Mine, Tombstone Mining District, Cochise County, Arizona, USA