Chalcomenite
A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered
This page is currently not sponsored. Click here to sponsor this page.
About Chalcomenite
Formula:
CuSeO3 · 2H2O
Colour:
Intense blue; pale blue in transmitted light.
Lustre:
Vitreous, Sub-Vitreous, Resinous
Hardness:
2 - 2½
Specific Gravity:
3.35
Crystal System:
Orthorhombic
Name:
From the Greek χαλκος = "copper," and μήυη (for σελήυη) = the "moon", where the element selenium is named after the moon.
Type Locality:
Dimorph of:
This page provides mineralogical data about Chalcomenite.
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
949
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:949:6
IMA Classification of Chalcomenite
Approved, 'Grandfathered' (first described prior to 1959)
IMA Formula:
Cu2+Se4+O3·2H2O
First published:
1881
Classification of Chalcomenite
4.JH.05
4 : OXIDES (Hydroxides, V[5,6] vanadates, arsenites, antimonites, bismuthites, sulfites, selenites, tellurites, iodates)
J : Arsenites, antimonites, bismuthites, sulfites, selenites, tellurites; iodates
H : Selenites without additional anions, with H2O
4 : OXIDES (Hydroxides, V[5,6] vanadates, arsenites, antimonites, bismuthites, sulfites, selenites, tellurites, iodates)
J : Arsenites, antimonites, bismuthites, sulfites, selenites, tellurites; iodates
H : Selenites without additional anions, with H2O
Dana 7th ed.:
34.2.2.1
34.2.2.1
34 : SELENITES, TELLURITES AND SULFITES
2 : A(XO3)·xH2O
34 : SELENITES, TELLURITES AND SULFITES
2 : A(XO3)·xH2O
28.1.1
28 : Selenites, Selenates, Tellurites, and Tellurates
1 : Selenites
28 : Selenites, Selenates, Tellurites, and Tellurates
1 : Selenites
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Ccm | 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 Chalcomenite
Vitreous, Sub-Vitreous, Resinous
Transparency:
Transparent, Translucent
Colour:
Intense blue; pale blue in transmitted light.
Comment:
Green clinochalcomenite is sometimes confused with blue chalcomenite
Hardness:
2 - 2½ on Mohs scale
Tenacity:
Brittle
Cleavage:
None Observed
Fracture:
Conchoidal
Density:
3.35 g/cm3 (Measured) 3.4 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Comment:
Measured value on Hiaco Mine material.
Optical Data of Chalcomenite
Type:
Biaxial (-)
RI values:
nα = 1.712 nβ = 1.732 nγ = 1.732
Birefringence:
0.020
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.020
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.
No measured or calculated 2V is on file for this mineral, so the value used here (-0°) is estimated from its recorded refractive indices and optic sign, not from a direct 2V measurement.
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.
No measured or calculated 2V is on file for this mineral, so the value used here (-0°) is estimated from its recorded refractive indices and optic sign, not from a direct 2V measurement.
Dispersion:
relatively strong
Pleochroism:
Visible
Comments:
X = a = Pale blue
Y = c = Darker blue
Z = b = Darker blue
Y = c = Darker blue
Z = b = Darker blue
Chemistry of Chalcomenite
Mindat Formula:
CuSeO3 · 2H2O
Element Weights:
Elements listed:
Crystallography of Chalcomenite
Crystal System:
Orthorhombic
Class (H-M):
222 - Disphenoidal
Space Group:
P212121
Setting:
P212121
Cell Parameters:
a = 6.671 Å, b = 9.193 Å, c = 7.384 Å
Ratio:
a:b:c = 0.726 : 1 : 0.803
Unit Cell V:
452.83 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
4
Morphology:
Crystals minute, acicular [001]. The prismatic faces are often striated or rounded.
Crystal Structure
Load
Unit Cell | Unit Cell Packed
2x2x2 | 3x3x3 | 4x4x4
Unit Cell | Unit Cell Packed
2x2x2 | 3x3x3 | 4x4x4
Show
Big Balls | Small Balls | Just Balls | Spacefill
Polyhedra Off | Si Polyhedra | All Polyhedra
Remove metal-metal sticks
Big Balls | Small Balls | Just Balls | Spacefill
Polyhedra Off | Si Polyhedra | All Polyhedra
Remove metal-metal sticks
Display Options
Black Background | White Background
Perspective On | Perspective Off
2D | Stereo | Red-Blue | Red-Cyan
Black Background | White Background
Perspective On | Perspective Off
2D | Stereo | Red-Blue | Red-Cyan
View
CIF File Best | x | y | z | a | b | c
CIF File Best | x | y | z | a | b | c
Rotation
Stop | Start
Stop | Start
Labels
Console Off | On | Grey | Yellow
Console Off | On | Grey | Yellow
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) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0019225 | Chalcomenite | Pasero M, Perchiazzi N (1989) Chalcomenite from Baccu Locci, Sardinia, Italy: mineral data and structure refinement Neues Jahrbuch fur Mineralogie, Monatshefte 1989 551-556 | 1989 | Baccu Locci, Sardinia, Italy | 0 | 293 | |
| 0001528 | Chalcomenite | Robinson P D, Sen Gupta P K, Swihart G H, Houk L (1992) Crystal structure, H positions, and the Se lone pair of synthetic chalcomenite, Cu(H2O)2[SeO3] American Mineralogist 77 834-838 |  | 1992 | 0 | 293 |
CIF Raw Data - click here to close
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 5.76 Å | (30) |
| 5.39 Å | (100) |
| 4.94 Å | (90) |
| 4.35 Å | (20) |
| 3.88 Å | (10) |
| 3.77 Å | (70) |
| 3.35 Å | (80) |
| 3.23 Å | (10) |
| 3.04 Å | (70) |
| 2.883 Å | (60) |
| 2.822 Å | (50) |
| 2.692 Å | (10) |
| 2.640 Å | (10) |
| 2.528 Å | (70) |
| 2.470 Å | (20) |
| 2.381 Å | (30) |
| 2.289 Å | (20) |
| 2.161 Å | (60) |
| 2.068 Å | (30) |
| 1.997 Å | (40) |
| 1.920 Å | (10) |
| 1.865 Å | (20) |
| 1.838 Å | (30) |
| 1.797 Å | (10) |
| 1.775 Å | (10) |
| 1.744 Å | (20) |
| 1.680 Å | (30) |
| 1.666 Å | (10) |
| 1.624 Å | (30) |
| 1.589 Å | (30) |
| 1.551 Å | (10) |
| 1.497 Å | (20) |
| 1.458 Å | (10b) |
| 1.435 Å | (10) |
| 1.424 Å | (10) |
| 1.403 Å | (10) |
| 1.389 Å | (10) |
| 1.360 Å | (10b) |
| 1.335 Å | (5) |
Comments:
ICDD 17-523 Eagle Shaft, Saskatchewan, Canada
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| Stage 7: Great Oxidation Event | <2.4 |
| 47a : [Near-surface hydration of prior minerals] | |
| 47d : [Arsenates, antimonates, selenates, bismuthinates] |
Geological Setting:
Secondary mineral in Cu-Se bearing deposits
Type Occurrence of Chalcomenite
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
Muséum Nationale d’Histoire Naturelle, Paris, France, 81.14 (type).
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
Other Language Names for Chalcomenite
Dutch:Chalcomeniet
German:Chalkomenit
Chalcomenit
Chalcomenit
Japanese:カルコメナイト
Russian:Халькоменит
Simplified Chinese:蓝硒铜矿
Spanish:Calcomenita
Chalcomenita
Chalcomenita
Traditional Chinese:藍硒銅礦
Common Associates
Associations Based on Photo Data:
| 46 photos of Chalcomenite associated with Umangite | Cu3Se2 |
| 25 photos of Chalcomenite associated with Kruťaite | CuSe2 |
| 25 photos of Chalcomenite associated with Goethite | Fe3+O(OH) |
| 24 photos of Chalcomenite associated with Malachite | Cu2(CO3)(OH)2 |
| 23 photos of Chalcomenite associated with Klockmannite | CuSe |
| 19 photos of Chalcomenite associated with Tyrrellite | Cu(Co,Ni)2Se4 |
| 18 photos of Chalcomenite associated with Hematite | Fe2O3 |
| 18 photos of Chalcomenite associated with Clinochalcomenite | CuSeO3(H2O)2 |
| 16 photos of Chalcomenite associated with Ahlfeldite | Ni(SeO3) · 2H2O |
| 16 photos of Chalcomenite associated with Clausthalite | PbSe |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 4.JH. | Magselite | [Mg(H2O)6](Se4+O3) |
| 4.JH. | Bernardevansite | Al2(SeO3)3 · 6H2O |
| 4.JH.10 | Clinochalcomenite | CuSeO3(H2O)2 |
| 4.JH.10 | Ahlfeldite | Ni(SeO3) · 2H2O |
| 4.JH.10 | Cobaltomenite | CoSeO3 · 2H2O |
| 4.JH.15 | Mandarinoite | Fe3+2(Se4+O3)3 · (6-x)H2O (x = 0.0-1.0) |
| 4.JH.20 | Orlandiite | Pb3(SeO3)(Cl,OH)4 · H2O |
| 4.JH.30 | Nestolaite | CaSeO3 · H2O |
Fluorescence of Chalcomenite
Not fluorescent in UV
Other Information
Notes:
Soluble in acids.
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 Chalcomenite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-949.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 Chalcomenite
Reference List:
Des Cloizeaux, Alfred, Damour, Augustin-Alexis (1881) Sur la chalcoménite, nouvelle espèce minérale (sélénite de cuivre) Bulletin de Minéralogie, 4 (3) 51-55 doi:10.3406/bulmi.1881.1626
Des Cloizeaux, Alfred, Damour, Augustin-Alexis (1881) Sur la chalcoménite, nouvelle espèce minérale (sélénite de cuivre) Bulletin de Minéralogie, 4 (3) 51-55 doi:10.3406/bulmi.1881.1626
Larsen, Esper S. (1921) The microscopic determination of the nonopaque minerals. Bulletin 679. US Geological Survey doi:10.3133/b679 p.55
Gattow, G. (1958) Die Kristallstruktur von CuSeO3.2H2O (Chalkomenit). Acta Crystallographica, 11 (6). 377-383 doi:10.1107/s0365110x58001031
Mandarino, J. A. (1964) X-ray powder data for teineite and chalcomenite. American Mineralogist, 49 (9-10) 1481-1485
Effenberger, Herta (1977) Verfeinerung der Kristallstruktur von synthetischem Teineit, CuTeO3·2H2O. TMPM Tschermaks Mineralogische und Petrographische Mitteilungen, 24 (4) 287-298 doi:10.1007/bf01081131
Robinson, Paul D., Gupta, P. K. Sen, Swihart, George H., Houk, Larry (1992) Crystal structure, H positions, and the Se lone pair of synthetic chalcomenite, Cu(H2O)2[SeO3]. American Mineralogist, 77 (7-8) 834-838
Frost, Ray L., Keeffe, Eloise C. (2008) Raman spectroscopic study of the selenite minerals - chalcomenite CuSeO3·2H2O, clinochalcomenite and cobaltomenite. Journal of Raman Spectroscopy, 39 (12). 1789-1793 doi:10.1002/jrs.2036
Frost, Ray L., Reddy, B. Jagannadha, Keeffe, Eloise C. (2008) An Application of near Infrared Spectroscopy to the Study of the Selenite Minerals: Chalcomenite, Clinochalcomenite and Cobaltomenite. Journal of Near Infrared Spectroscopy, 16 (4) 399-407 doi:10.1255/jnirs.808
Localities for Chalcomenite
Showing 52 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.
Argentina | |
| Morello (2016) |
| Paar et al. (2004) |
| Márquez-Zavalía et al. (2021) | |
| American Mineralogist (1950) +2 other references |
| Paar et al. (2002) +1 other reference | |
| - (1950) +2 other references | |
| de Brodtkorb +3 other references | |
| Palache et al. (1951) | |
| Sarp et al. (1987) |
| Grundmann et al. (2018) |
| Des Cloizeaux et al. (1881) +1 other reference |
| Ahlfeld Friedrich and Angelelll ... +2 other references | |
Australia | |
| Nickel (2002) |
Bolivia | |
| Schnorrer-Köhler et al. (1990) +4 other references |
| Hurlbut et al. (1969) +1 other reference |
Canada | |
| Traill (1983) |
| www.ir.gov.sk.ca (n.d.) +1 other reference |
| Traill (1952) | |
| ROBINSON et al. (1952) |
| Collected and analyzed by Gunnar Farber. | |
China | |
| Linbo Yao and Zhenmin Gao (2002) +3 other references |
| Jingxian Li and Jiajun Liu (2014) |
Czech Republic | |
| Sejkora J. et al. (2006) +1 other reference |
| Pauliš P. et al. (Kutna Hora, issue 2) |
DR Congo | |
| Gauthier et al. (1989) +2 other references |
France | |
| Agrinier et al. (1967) |
| Lheur (2016) |
| Boisson et al. (2014) |
Germany | |
| Belendorff (2021) |
| Wittern (2001) |
| Witzke et al. (1998) |
Ireland | |
| Francis et al. (1987) +1 other reference |
| Moreton et al. (1995) | |
Italy | |
| Pasero et al. (1989) +2 other references |
Mexico | |
| Panczner (1987) |
Norway | |
| Pavel M. Kartashov analytical data (2013) |
Spain | |
| Sintes et al. (2025) |
| Calvo Rebollar et al. (2022) |
Sweden | |
| Sandström (2007) |
UK | |
| Golley et al. (1995) |
USA | |
| Roe (1980) |
| Anthony et al. (1995) |
| Adams (2017) |
| MarekC pers. coll. 2017-2018 |
| Kampf et al. (2018) |
| Eckel et al. (1997) |
| Travis Olds collection +1 other reference |
| Self collected by Brent Thorne and EDS ... |
| Marek Chorazewicz (2026) |
| Jensen (1985) +2 other references |
| Collected by and in the collection of ... |
| Thorne (n.d.) |
Quick NavTopAbout ChalcomeniteUnique IdentifiersIMA Classification Classification Mineral SymbolsPhysical Properties Optical Data Chemistry Crystallography Crystal StructureX-Ray Powder DiffractionGeological EnvironmentType Occurrence Other LanguagesCommon AssociatesStrunz-MindatFluorescence Other InformationInternet Links References Localities Locality List
Baccu Locci Mine, Villaputzu, South Sardinia Province, Sardinia, Italy