Chalcosiderite
A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered
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About Chalcosiderite
Formula:
CuFe3+6(PO4)4(OH)8 · 4H2O
Colour:
Dark green to apple-green
Lustre:
Vitreous, Sub-Vitreous, Greasy
Hardness:
4½
Specific Gravity:
3.22
Crystal System:
Triclinic
Member of:
Name:
Named by Johann Christoph Ullmann in 1814 from the Greek for copper and iron, in allusion to its composition.
Co-Type Localities:
Isostructural with:
Turquoise Group. Chalcosiderite-Turquoise Series.
An uncommon mineral occurring in the oxidized zone of some hydrothermal deposits.
Compare the chemically similar but Cu-richer hentschelite.
An uncommon mineral occurring in the oxidized zone of some hydrothermal deposits.
Compare the chemically similar but Cu-richer hentschelite.
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
945
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:945:0
IMA Classification of Chalcosiderite
Approved, 'Grandfathered' (first described prior to 1959)
IMA Formula:
Cu2+Fe3+6(PO4)4(OH)8·4H2O
Classification of Chalcosiderite
8.DD.15
8 : PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, VANADATES
D : Phosphates, etc. with additional anions, with H2O
D : With only medium-sized cations, (OH, etc.):RO4= 2:1
8 : PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, VANADATES
D : Phosphates, etc. with additional anions, with H2O
D : With only medium-sized cations, (OH, etc.):RO4= 2:1
42.9.3.4
42 : HYDRATED PHOSPHATES, ETC.CONTAINING HYDROXYL OR HALOGEN
9 : (AB)7(XO4)4Zq·xH2O
42 : HYDRATED PHOSPHATES, ETC.CONTAINING HYDROXYL OR HALOGEN
9 : (AB)7(XO4)4Zq·xH2O
19.2.13
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Csd | 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 Chalcosiderite
Pronunciation:
| Play | Recorded by | Country |
|---|---|---|
| Jolyon Ralph | United Kingdom |
Physical Properties of Chalcosiderite
Vitreous, Sub-Vitreous, Greasy
Transparency:
Transparent
Colour:
Dark green to apple-green
Streak:
Pale green to greenish to white
Hardness:
4½ on Mohs scale
Hardness Data:
Measured
Tenacity:
Brittle
Cleavage:
Perfect
On {001}, perfect, on {010}, good.
On {001}, perfect, on {010}, good.
Density:
3.22 g/cm3 (Measured) 3.28 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Chalcosiderite
Type:
Biaxial (-)
RI values:
nα = 1.775 nβ = 1.840 nγ = 1.844
2V:
Measured: 22° , Calculated: 48°
Birefringence:
0.069
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.069
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:
Very High (positive)
Relative to Canada balsam mounting medium (n ≈ 1.537).
Relative to Canada balsam mounting medium (n ≈ 1.537).
This shows the grain boundary and Becke line effect under plane-polarised
light, based on the contrast between this mineral's average refractive
index and the mounting medium. It does not take into account mineral
colouration.
In focus
Interference Figure:
This shows the idealized biaxial acute bisectrix (Bxa) interference figure
- the conoscopic view for a grain cut perpendicular to the acute bisectrix, using
this mineral's 2V. The two small white dots mark the melatopes - the points
where the two optic axes emerge - and are shown only when they fall within the
field of view. The coloured bands are isochromatics, and the dark bands are
isogyres.
Rotate the stage: at 0°/90° the isogyres form a cross through the melatopes; at 45° they pull apart into curved hyperbolas. That splitting on rotation - absent in a uniaxial figure - is the standard diagnostic test for telling biaxial minerals from uniaxial ones. If 2V is large, the melatopes may fall outside the field of view, as they often do at the microscope too.
Rotate the stage: at 0°/90° the isogyres form a cross through the melatopes; at 45° they pull apart into curved hyperbolas. That splitting on rotation - absent in a uniaxial figure - is the standard diagnostic test for telling biaxial minerals from uniaxial ones. If 2V is large, the melatopes may fall outside the field of view, as they often do at the microscope too.
Dispersion:
relatively strong r > v
Pleochroism:
Weak
Comments:
X= Colourless
Z= Pale green
Z= Pale green
Chemistry of Chalcosiderite
Mindat Formula:
CuFe3+6(PO4)4(OH)8 · 4H2O
Element Weights:
Common Impurities:
Al
Crystallography of Chalcosiderite
Crystal System:
Triclinic
Class (H-M):
1 - Pinacoidal
Space Group:
P1
Cell Parameters:
a = 7.653(4) Å, b = 7.873(4) Å, c = 10.19 Å
α = 67.57(2)°, β = 69.17(2)°, γ = 64.93(2)°
α = 67.57(2)°, β = 69.17(2)°, γ = 64.93(2)°
Ratio:
a:b:c = 0.972 : 1 : 1.294
Unit Cell V:
500.08 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
1
Morphology:
Crystals short prismatic [001], with large {001}, {010}, {110}, and {111}. Commonly in sheafs, crusts.
Crystallographic forms of Chalcosiderite
Crystal Atlas:
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Chalcosiderite no.1 - {1-10} - Goldschmidt (1913-1926)
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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) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0014837 | Chalcosiderite | Giuseppetti G, Mazzi F, Tadini C (1989) The crystal structure of chalcosiderite, CuFe3+6(PO4)4(OH)8*4H2O Neues Jahrbuch fur Mineralogie, Monatshefte 1989 227-239 | 1989 | Wheal Phoenix Mine, Cornwall, England | 0 | 293 |
CIF Raw Data - click here to close
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 6.39 Å | (30) |
| 4.93 Å | (20) |
| 3.76 Å | (100) |
| 3.54 Å | (40) |
| 3.38 Å | (40) |
| 3.01 Å | (40) |
| 2.95 Å | (30) |
| 2.52 Å | (30) |
Comments:
ICDD 37-446
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:
Oxidized zone of some hydrothermal deposits.
Type Occurrence of Chalcosiderite
Co-Type Localities:
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
Other Language Names for Chalcosiderite
Dutch:Chalcosideriet
German:Chalkosiderit
Chalcosiderit
Chalcosiderit
Russian:Халькосидерит
Simplified Chinese:磷铜铁矿
Spanish:Chalcosiderita
Varieties of Chalcosiderite
| Alumo-chalcosiderite | A aluminian variety of Chalcosiderite. |
Relationship of Chalcosiderite to other Species
Member of:
Other Members of Turquoise Group:
| Aheylite | (Fe2+,Zn)Al6(PO4)4(OH)8 · 4H2O | Tric. 1 : P1 |
| Faustite | ZnAl6(PO4)4(OH)8 · 4H2O | Tric. 1 : P1 |
| Planerite | Al6(PO4)2(PO3OH)2(OH)8 · 4H2O | Tric. 1 : P1 |
| Turquoise | CuAl6(PO4)4(OH)8 · 4H2O | Tric. 1 : P1 |
| 'UM1981-32-PO:FeH' | Fe2+Fe3+6(PO4)4-x[PO3(OH)]x(OH)8 · 4H2O |
Forms a series with:
Common Associates
Associations Based on Photo Data:
| 51 photos of Chalcosiderite associated with Cyrilovite | NaFe3+3(PO4)2(OH)4 · 2H2O |
| 47 photos of Chalcosiderite associated with Cacoxenite | Fe3+24AlO6(PO4)17(OH)12 · 75H2O |
| 38 photos of Chalcosiderite associated with Dufrénite | Ca0.5Fe2+Fe3+5(PO4)4(OH)6 · 2H2O |
| 29 photos of Chalcosiderite associated with Quartz | SiO2 |
| 28 photos of Chalcosiderite associated with 'Aluminium-bearing Strengite' | (Fe,Al)PO4 · 2H2O |
| 25 photos of Chalcosiderite associated with Strengite | FePO4 · 2H2O |
| 19 photos of Chalcosiderite associated with Kidwellite | NaFe3+9+x(PO4)6(OH)11 · 3H2O, x = 0.33 |
| 14 photos of Chalcosiderite associated with Leucophosphite | KFe3+2(PO4)2(OH) · 2H2O |
| 13 photos of Chalcosiderite associated with Wavellite | Al3(PO4)2(OH)3 · 5H2O |
| 13 photos of Chalcosiderite associated with Variscite | AlPO4 · 2H2O |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 8.DD. | Penberthycroftite | [Al6(AsO4)3(OH)9(H2O)5] · 8H2O |
| 8.DD. | Bettertonite | [Al6(AsO4)3(OH)9(H2O)5] · 11H2O |
| 8.DD. | Vargite | MnCu2Mn2(AsO4)2(OH)4(H2O)4 |
| 8.DD. | Galeaclolusite | Al6(AsO4)3(OH)9(H2O)4 · 8H2O |
| 8.DD.05 | Luetheite | Cu2Al2(AsO4)2(OH)4 |
| 8.DD.05 | Chenevixite | Cu2Fe3+2(AsO4)2(OH)4 |
| 8.DD.10 | Akrochordite | MnMn2Mn2(AsO4)2(OH)4(H2O)4 |
| 8.DD.10 | Guanacoite | MgCu2Mg2(AsO4)2(OH)4(H2O)4 |
| 8.DD.15 | 'UM1981-32-PO:FeH' | Fe2+Fe3+6(PO4)4-x[PO3(OH)]x(OH)8 · 4H2O |
| 8.DD.15 | Afmite | Al3(OH)4(H2O)3(PO4)(PO3OH) · H2O |
| 8.DD.15 | Aheylite | (Fe2+,Zn)Al6(PO4)4(OH)8 · 4H2O |
| 8.DD.15 | 'Coeruleolactite' | |
| 8.DD.15 | Faustite | ZnAl6(PO4)4(OH)8 · 4H2O |
| 8.DD.15 | Planerite | Al6(PO4)2(PO3OH)2(OH)8 · 4H2O |
| 8.DD.15 | Turquoise | CuAl6(PO4)4(OH)8 · 4H2O |
| 8.DD.20 | Eosphorite | Mn2+Al(PO4)(OH)2 · H2O |
| 8.DD.20 | Ernstite | (Mn2+,Fe3+)Al(PO4)(OH,O)2 · H2O |
| 8.DD.20 | Lefontite | Fe2Al2Be(PO4)2(OH)6 |
| 8.DD.20 | Childrenite | Fe2+Al(PO4)(OH)2 · H2O |
| 8.DD.25 | Kobokoboite | Al6(PO4)4(OH)6 · 11H2O |
| 8.DD.30 | Smamite | Ca2Sb(OH)4[H(AsO4)2] · 6H2O |
| 8.DD.35 | 'Gutsevichite' | Al3(PO4)2(OH)3 · 8H2O |
| 8.DD.40 | 'Laubmannite (of Moore)' | (Fe3+,Fe2+,M)8+x(OH,H2O)9(H2O)2(PO4)5, M = Fe3+, Cu2+ or other metal cation, x ~ 0.1. |
Fluorescence of Chalcosiderite
Not fluorescent
Other Information
Notes:
Soluble with difficulty in HCl.
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 Chalcosiderite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-945.html
Please feel free to link to this page.
Please feel free to link to this page.
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References for Chalcosiderite
Reference List:
Abdu, Y. A., Hull, S. K., Fayek, M., Hawthorne, F. C. (2011) The turquoise-chalcosiderite Cu(Al,Fe3+)6(PO4)4(OH)8·4H2O solid-solution series: A Mössbauer spectroscopy, XRD, EMPA, and FTIR study. American Mineralogist, 96 (10) 1433-1442 doi:10.2138/am.2011.3658
Dyar, M. D., Jawin, E. R., Breves, E., Marchand, G., Nelms, M., Lane, M. D., Mertzman, S. A., Bish, D. L., Bishop, J. L. (2014) Mössbauer parameters of iron in phosphate minerals: Implications for interpretation of martian data. American Mineralogist, 99 (5) 914-942 doi:10.2138/am.2014.4701
Rossi, Manuela, Rizzi, Rosanna, Vergara, Alessandro, Capitelli, Francesco, Altomare, Angela, Bellatreccia, Fabio, Saviano, Michele, Ghiara, Rosaria M. (2017) Compositional variation of turquoise-group minerals from the historical collection of the Real Museo Mineralogico of the University of Naples. Mineralogical Magazine, 81 (6) 1405-1429 doi:10.1180/minmag.2017.081.055
Localities for Chalcosiderite
Showing 94 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 | |
| Chapman et al. (2005) |
| Birch et al. (1997) |
| Day et al. (1996) |
| Francis et al. (2012) |
| Mineralogical Magazine 63 +1 other reference |
| Peter Elliott |
| - (1997, December) |
| Francis (2010) |
| - (1997, December) |
| Henry et al. (1988) +3 other references |
Austria | |
| Postl W et al. (2022) |
Bolivia | |
| SEM analyses by Gene Foord et al. (analyses copies courtesy of Brian Kosnar) +1 other reference |
| Petrov et al. (2006) |
Brazil | |
| Menezes (n.d.) |
Bulgaria | |
| Hikov et al. (2011) +1 other reference |
Chile | |
| John Ebhner |
| samples analysed by Jochen Schlüter |
| Teck Resources Limited |
| BHP |
Czech Republic | |
| |
| Collection M. Kampf No 89-267 | |
| Sejkora et al. (2006) +3 other references | |
| Sejkora et al. (2006) +1 other reference |
France | |
| G. Aubert : "Les coupoles granitiques de Montebras et d'Echassières (Massif Central Français) |
| Chollet Pascal Collection |
| Pierre Le Roch & Jean-Marc Johannet ... |
| Cuchet et al. (2000) | |
| Patureau et al. (2011) |
| perso.wanadoo.fr (2004) |
Germany | |
| Walenta (1995) |
| Dill et al. (2009) |
| web.archive.org (2001) |
| Meier (2005) |
| Blaß (2002) |
| Palache et al. (1951) |
| Henrich (2008) |
| Weiß (1990) |
| Ullmann et al. (1814) +2 other references |
| Habel et al. (2011) |
| Blaß et al. (1993) |
| |
| Witzke et al. (1997) |
| Witzke et al. (2013) |
| [var: Alumo-chalcosiderite] Palache et al. (1951) |
| [var: Alumo-chalcosiderite] Fischler (1958) | |
| Witzke et al. (2001) |
Greece | |
| Skarpelis et al. (2009) |
Portugal | |
| Alves (n.d.) |
| Rui Nunes visit 18 July 2015 |
| Nunes (n.d.) +1 other reference |
| MEB/EDS AMM285 Museum ... |
| Alves (n.d.) +1 other reference |
Spain | |
| Mendoza et al. (2006) |
| Sainz de Baranda Graf (2026) |
| Borja Sainz de Baranda et al. (2004) |
| Calvo Rebollar (2015) |
| [var: Alumo-chalcosiderite] J. Rosell (02/2016) |
| Cesar Menor Salvan +2 other references |
| Calvo et al. (2011) |
UK | |
| |
| Craik-Smith (2000) |
| Collection Richard De Nul |
| Palache et al. (1951) +3 other references |
| Dines (1956) | |
| Rudler (1905) | |
| P D Trebilcock. | |
| Elton et al. (1996) +2 other references |
| |
USA | |
| Galbraith et al. (1959) |
| Anthony et al. (2016) | |
| Anthony et al. (1995) | |
| Luetcke (n.d.) |
| Raman analyzed at the University of ... | |
| Anthony et al. (2016) |
| Eckel et al. (1997) |
| Min News 14:4 p 3 |
| Guilbert and Zeihen +2 other references |
| Collected by Joe Marty |
| Castor et al. (2004) | |
| Castor et al. (2004) |
| Castor et al. (2004) |
| Castor et al. (2004) |
| Rock Currier specimens. XRD by Anthony ... |
| MarekC (2019) |
| Castor et al. (2004) |
| Freeport-McMoRan |
| M Massis collection (microprobe by Paul Hlava) |
| Dietrich (1990) |
| Ransom (1974) | |
| Dietrich (1990) | |
| Dietrich (1990) |
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Ste Barbe vein, Montmins mining district, Échassières, Vichy, Allier, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France