Calumetite
A valid IMA mineral species
This page is currently not sponsored. Click here to sponsor this page.
About Calumetite
Calumet, Michigan
Formula:
CaCu4(OH)8Cl2 · 3.5H2O
Colour:
Azure blue; Powder blue
Lustre:
Pearly
Hardness:
2
Crystal System:
Orthorhombic
Name:
Named by Sidney A. Williams in 1963 for the town of Calumet, Michigan, USA, near which it was first discovered.
This page provides mineralogical data about Calumetite.
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
870
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:870:7
IMA Classification of Calumetite
Approved
IMA status notes:
Redefined by the IMA
IMA Formula:
Cu2+4CaCl2(OH)8·4H2O
First published:
1963
Approval history:
Redefined by IMA 2019 as CaCu4(OH)8Cl2·3.5H2O (IMA proposal 18-C)
Classification of Calumetite
3.DA.40
3 : HALIDES
D : Oxyhalides, hydroxyhalides and related double halides
A : With Cu, etc., without Pb
3 : HALIDES
D : Oxyhalides, hydroxyhalides and related double halides
A : With Cu, etc., without Pb
6.2.5.1
6 : HYDROXIDES AND OXIDES CONTAINING HYDROXYL
2 : X(OH)2
6 : HYDROXIDES AND OXIDES CONTAINING HYDROXYL
2 : X(OH)2
8.2.8
8 : Halides - Fluorides, Chlorides, Bromides and Iodides; also Fluoborates and Fluosilicates
2 : Halides of Cu
8 : Halides - Fluorides, Chlorides, Bromides and Iodides; also Fluoborates and Fluosilicates
2 : Halides 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Clu | 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 Calumetite
Pearly
Comment:
On basal cleavages
Colour:
Azure blue; Powder blue
Comment:
In masses: Brilliant azure blue inclining to powder blue
Hardness:
2 on Mohs scale
Tenacity:
Brittle
Optical Data of Calumetite
Type:
Biaxial
RI values:
nα = 1.666 nβ = 1.69 nγ = 1.69
2V:
Measured: 2°
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.024
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:
r > v or r < v
Chemistry of Calumetite
Mindat Formula:
CaCu4(OH)8Cl2 · 3.5H2O
Element Weights:
Crystallography of Calumetite
Crystal System:
Orthorhombic
Class (H-M):
mmm(2/m2/m2/m) - Dipyramidal
Space Group:
Cmcm
Setting:
Cmcm
Cell Parameters:
a = 6.653(1) Å, b = 15.034(3) Å, c = 6.611(1) Å
Ratio:
a:b:c = 0.443 : 1 : 0.44
Unit Cell V:
661.24 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
2
Morphology:
Basal pinacoid {001} and first order prism {110}.
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 7.50 Å | (10) |
| 3.76 Å | (5) |
| 3.42 Å | (3) |
| 3.30 Å | (3) |
| 3.02 Å | (6) |
| 2.481 Å | (8) |
| 2.341 Å | (3) |
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| Stage 7: Great Oxidation Event | <2.4 |
| 47a : [Near-surface hydration of prior minerals] | |
| 47g : [Halogen-bearing surface weathering minerals] |
Geological Setting:
Corosion product of copper containing metals (ie Ramses ii stove in Cairo museum)
Type Occurrence of Calumetite
General Appearance of Type Material:
Occurs as spherules and sheaves of scaly crystals.
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
National Museum of Natural History, Washington, D.C., USA, 115870.
Geological Setting of Type Material:
Copper deposit in basalt. The chlorine is thought to have been due to connate water.
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
Synonyms of Calumetite
Other Language Names for Calumetite
Common Associates
Associations Based on Photo Data:
| 11 photos of Calumetite associated with Native Copper | Cu |
| 3 photos of Calumetite associated with Epidote | (CaCa)(AlAlFe3+)O[Si2O7][SiO4](OH) |
| 2 photos of Calumetite associated with Quartz | SiO2 |
| 1 photo of Calumetite associated with Prehnite | Ca2Al2Si3O10(OH)2 |
| 1 photo of Calumetite associated with Cuprite | Cu2O |
| 1 photo of Calumetite associated with Tenorite | CuO |
| 1 photo of Calumetite associated with Centennialite | CaCu3Cl2(OH)6 · nH2O (n ~ 0.7) |
| 1 photo of Calumetite associated with Thaumasite | Ca3(SO4)[Si(OH)6](CO3) · 12H2O |
| 1 photo of Calumetite associated with Jennite | Ca9(Si3O9)2(OH)8 · 8H2O |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 3.DA. | Parahibbingite | Fe2(OH)3Cl |
| 3.DA. | Centennialite | CaCu3Cl2(OH)6 · nH2O (n ~ 0.7) |
| 3.DA. | Bounahasite | Cu+Cu2+2(OH)3Cl2 |
| 3.DA. | Muonionalustaite | Ni3(OH)4Cl2 · 4H2O |
| 3.DA.05 | Melanothallite | Cu2Cl2O |
| 3.DA.10c | Haydeeite | Cu3Mg(OH)6Cl2 |
| 3.DA.10b | Clinoatacamite | Cu2(OH)3Cl |
| 3.DA.10c | Paratacamite | Cu3(Cu,Zn)(OH)6Cl2 |
| 3.DA.10c | Kapellasite | Cu3Zn(OH)6Cl2 |
| 3.DA.10c | Leverettite | Cu3Co(OH)6Cl2 |
| 3.DA.10a | Hibbingite | Fe2+2(OH)3Cl |
| 3.DA.10c | Paratacamite-(Ni) | Cu3(Ni,Cu)(OH)6Cl2 |
| 3.DA.10a | Kempite | Mn2+2(OH)3Cl |
| 3.DA.10c | Tondiite | Cu3Mg(OH)6Cl2 |
| 3.DA.10a | Atacamite | Cu2(OH)3Cl |
| 3.DA.10b | Belloite | Cu(OH)Cl |
| 3.DA.10c | Misakiite | Cu3Mn(OH)6Cl2 |
| 3.DA.10b | Iyoite | MnCuCl(OH)3 |
| 3.DA.10c | Kuliginite | Fe3Mg(OH)6Cl2 |
| 3.DA.10c | Gillardite | Cu3Ni(OH)6Cl2 |
| 3.DA.10b | 'Unnamed (Cu-Zn Chloride Hydroxide)' | CuZnCl(OH)3 |
| 3.DA.10b | Botallackite | Cu2(OH)3Cl |
| 3.DA.10c | Herbertsmithite | Cu3Zn(OH)6Cl2 |
| 3.DA.15 | Claringbullite | Cu4ClF(OH)6 |
| 3.DA.15 | Barlowite | Cu4BrF(OH)6 |
| 3.DA.20 | Simonkolleite | Zn5Cl2(OH)8 · H2O |
| 3.DA.25 | Buttgenbachite | Cu19(NO3)2(OH)32Cl4 · 2H2O |
| 3.DA.25 | Connellite | Cu19(SO4)(OH)32Cl4 · 3H2O |
| 3.DA.30 | Abhurite | Sn21Cl16(OH)14O6 |
| 3.DA.35 | Ponomarevite | K4Cu4Cl10O |
| 3.DA.40 | Anthonyite | Cu(OH,Cl)2 · 3H2O |
| 3.DA.45 | Khaidarkanite | Cu4Al3(OH)14F3 · 2H2O |
| 3.DA.50 | Bobkingite | Cu5Cl2(OH)8 · 2H2O |
| 3.DA.55 | Avdoninite | K2Cu5(OH)4Cl8 · H2O |
| 3.DA.60 | Droninoite | Ni6Fe3+2(OH)16Cl2 · 4H2O |
| 3.DA.70 | Chrysothallite | K6Cu6Tl3+Cl17(OH)4 · H2O |
| 3.DA.70 | Dioskouriite | CaCu4Cl6(OH)4 · 4H2O |
| 3.DA.75 | Feodosiyite | Cu11Mg2Cl18(OH)8 · 16H2O |
| 3.DA.80 | Romanorlovite | K8Cu6Cl17(OH)3 |
Other Information
Notes:
Soluble in cold, dilute acids but insoluble in ammonia and 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 Calumetite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-870.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 Calumetite
Localities for Calumetite
Showing 18 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.
Atlantic Ocean | |
| Bortnikov et al. (2006, July) |
Austria | |
| Schnorrer et al. (2008) |
Germany | |
| Mineralogical Society of America - ... |
| Blass et al. (1992) |
| Weiß (1990) |
| Blaß et al. (2015) |
| Blaß et al. (2009) +2 other references |
| Wittern (2001) |
| Der Aufschluss (2004) |
Greece | |
| Schnorrer-Köhler et al. (1981) +2 other references |
India | |
| Kumar et al. (2011) |
Italy | |
| Rivista Mineralogica Italiana (Avril/Juin) |
USA (TL) | |
| Williams (1963) +1 other reference |
| Rosemeyer (2007) | |
| Thorne (n.d.) | |
| Heinrich et al. (2004) |
| Tom Rosemeyer collection. |
| R&M 74:3 p160-176 |
Quick NavTopAbout CalumetiteUnique IdentifiersIMA Classification Classification Mineral SymbolsPhysical Properties Optical Data Chemistry Crystallography X-Ray Powder DiffractionGeological EnvironmentType Occurrence SynonymsOther LanguagesCommon AssociatesStrunz-MindatOther InformationInternet Links References Localities Locality List
Centennial Mine, Centennial Heights, Calumet Township, Houghton County, Michigan, USA