Chenevixite
A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered
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About Chenevixite
Richard Chenevix
Formula:
Cu2Fe3+2(AsO4)2(OH)4
Colour:
Olive green, yellow-green, dark green.
Hardness:
3½ - 4½
Specific Gravity:
4.38
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Name:
Named after Richard Chenevix (ca. 1774, Ballycommon, Co. Offaly, Ireland - 5 April 1830, Paris, France), chemist and playwright. He analyzed an arsenate of copper and iron from Cornwall in 1801 that was later shown to be chenevixite.
Ironically, Chenevix was opposed to the naming of minerals after people and considered this to be "less fitted for deriving the name of a mineral from" in his work Observations on Mineralogical Systems (Chenevix, 1811).
Ironically, Chenevix was opposed to the naming of minerals after people and considered this to be "less fitted for deriving the name of a mineral from" in his work Observations on Mineralogical Systems (Chenevix, 1811).
Type Locality:
The Fe3+ analogue of Luetheite. Chenevixite-Luetheite Series.
A relatively rare, but generally inconspicuous secondary mineral in oxidized zones of some hydrothermal, polymetallic ore deposits.
A relatively rare, but generally inconspicuous secondary mineral in oxidized zones of some hydrothermal, polymetallic ore deposits.
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
986
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:986:7
IMA Classification of Chenevixite
Approved, 'Grandfathered' (first described prior to 1959)
IMA Formula:
Cu2+Fe3+(As5+O4)(OH)2
First published:
1866
Classification of Chenevixite
8.DD.05
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
42.7.10.1
42 : HYDRATED PHOSPHATES, ETC.CONTAINING HYDROXYL OR HALOGEN
7 : (AB)2(XO4)Zq·xH2O
42 : HYDRATED PHOSPHATES, ETC.CONTAINING HYDROXYL OR HALOGEN
7 : (AB)2(XO4)Zq·xH2O
20.1.15
20 : Arsenates (also arsenates with phosphate, but without other anions)
1 : Arsenates of Cu
20 : Arsenates (also arsenates with phosphate, but without other anions)
1 : Arsenates 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Cvx | 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 Chenevixite
Transparency:
Transparent, Translucent
Colour:
Olive green, yellow-green, dark green.
Streak:
Greenish yellow
Hardness:
3½ - 4½ on Mohs scale
Tenacity:
Brittle
Cleavage:
None Observed
Fracture:
Sub-Conchoidal
Comment:
Also earthy fracture.
Density:
4.38 g/cm3 (Measured) 4.40 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Chenevixite
Type:
Biaxial (+)
RI values:
nα = 1.92 nβ = 1.96 nγ = 2.04
2V:
Calculated: 73°
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.120
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:
none
Optical Extinction:
X = b; Z ≃ c.
Pleochroism:
Weak
Chemistry of Chenevixite
Mindat Formula:
Cu2Fe3+2(AsO4)2(OH)4
Element Weights:
Crystallography of Chenevixite
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Class (H-M):
2/m - Prismatic
Space Group:
P21/m
Setting:
P21/m
Cell Parameters:
a = 5.7012 Å, b = 5.1801 Å, c = 29.265 Å
β = 89.99°
β = 89.99°
Ratio:
a:b:c = 1.101 : 1 : 5.65
Unit Cell V:
864.3 ų
Z:
4
Morphology:
Crystals tabular {100} with diamond-shaped outlines; commonly microcrystalline, spheroidal, earthy to compact massive.
Twinning:
Observed at a very fine scale.
Comment:
Pseudo-orthorhombic.
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Loading XRD data...
Data courtesy of RRUFF project at University of Arizona, used with permission.
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 7.322 Å | (4) |
| 3.817 Å | (5) |
| 3.557 Å | (10) |
| 2.994 Å | (5) |
| 2.553 Å | (7) |
| 2.504 Å | (4) |
| 2.448 Å | (5) |
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:
Oxidized zones of hydrothermal polymetallic deposits.
Type Occurrence of Chenevixite
General Appearance of Type Material:
Small compact masses in quartz.
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Mines, Paris, France, numbers 40000, 51206 (type).
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
Other Language Names for Chenevixite
Relationship of Chenevixite to other Species
Forms a series with:
Common Associates
Associations Based on Photo Data:
| 28 photos of Chenevixite associated with Olivenite | Cu2(AsO4)(OH) |
| 19 photos of Chenevixite associated with Quartz | SiO2 |
| 11 photos of Chenevixite associated with Scorodite | Fe3+AsO4 · 2H2O |
| 9 photos of Chenevixite associated with Arthurite | CuFe3+2(AsO4)2(OH)2 · 4H2O |
| 9 photos of Chenevixite associated with Azurite | Cu3(CO3)2(OH)2 |
| 8 photos of Chenevixite associated with Jarosite | KFe3+3(SO4)2(OH)6 |
| 8 photos of Chenevixite associated with Tyrolite | Ca2Cu9(AsO4)4(CO3)(OH)8 · 11H2O |
| 8 photos of Chenevixite associated with Malachite | Cu2(CO3)(OH)2 |
| 7 photos of Chenevixite associated with Mimetite | Pb5(AsO4)3Cl |
| 7 photos of Chenevixite associated with Goethite | Fe3+O(OH) |
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.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 | Chalcosiderite | CuFe3+6(PO4)4(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. |
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 Chenevixite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-986.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 Chenevixite
Reference List:
Mackenzie, G. S. (1885) On an Occurrence of Rare Copper Minerals from Utah. Mineralogical Magazine and Journal of the Mineralogical Society, 6 (30). 181-182 doi:10.1180/minmag.1885.006.030.10
Larsen, Esper S. (1921) The microscopic determination of the nonopaque minerals. Bulletin 679. US Geological Survey doi:10.3133/b679 p.56
Pierrot, Roland, Walter, J. (1961) Présence de chenevixite au Hoggar. Bulletin de Minéralogie, 84 (3) 325 doi:10.3406/bulmi.1961.5501
Villarroel, Hugo (1964) Contribution à l'étude de la chenevixite. Bulletin de Minéralogie, 87 (4) 626-628 doi:10.3406/bulmi.1964.5788
Williams, S. A. (1977) Luetheite, Cu2Al2(AsO4)2(OH)4·H2O, a new mineral from Arizona, compared with chenevixite. Mineralogical Magazine, 41 (317) 27-32 doi:10.1180/minmag.1977.041.317.04
Burns, P. C., Smith, J. V., Steele, I. M. (2000) Arizona porphyry copper/hydrothermal deposits I. The structure of chenevixite and luetheite. Mineralogical Magazine, 64 (1). 25-30 doi:10.1180/002646100549102
Localities for Chenevixite
Showing 131 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.
Algeria | |
| Pierrot et al. (1961) | |
| |
Argentina | |
| Perelló et al. (2023) |
Australia | |
| Palache et al. (1951) |
| Leverett et al. (2003) |
| Palache et al. (1951) |
| Lohan (1990) |
| Munro-Smith et al. (2015) |
| Sorrell (n.d.) +1 other reference |
| EDAX confirmation |
| Bottrill et al. (2008) |
| Nickel et al. (1993) |
| Min. Record 24 (1993) | |
| Australian J. Mineralogy 13 (1) | |
| Min. Record 24 (1993) | |
| Grice et al. (1991) | |
| Min. Record 24 (1993) | |
| Downes et al. (2006) |
| Downes et al. (2006) | |
Austria | |
| R.Poeverlein (2016) |
Brazil | |
| Moura et al. (2007) +1 other reference |
Chile | |
| V. Sapienza collection |
| V. Sapienza collection | |
| Bandy (1938) +2 other references |
| Singer et al. (2008) +1 other reference | |
| Uwe Kolitsch collection (EDS-analysed) |
| Maskaev et al. (2007) |
| |
| Jaime Cataldo B. et al. (2015) |
Czech Republic | |
| Hloušek et al. (2002) |
| Plášil et al. (2014) |
| |
| Sejkora et al. (2006) |
DR Congo | |
| Deliens (1996) +1 other reference |
France | |
| Queneau (n.d.) |
| Berbain et al. (2019) |
| Lheur (2023) |
| Queneau (n.d.) |
| Favreau et al. (2014) |
Germany | |
| [Wittern (1995) |
| Walenta (1992) |
| Hanneberg et al. (2009) +1 other reference |
| Collected by Klaus Petitjean. |
| Lapis (10) |
| Collection of Steffen Michalski | |
| Der Aufschluss 2000 (2) |
| Wittern (2001) |
| Wittern (2001) +1 other reference |
| Stark (2011) |
| Gröbner et al. (2005) |
| Gröbner et al. (2006) |
| Hans-Jürgen Haas collection |
| Gröbner et al. (2008) |
Greece | |
| Wendel et al. (1999) +3 other references |
| Heymann (1982) | |
| Gröbner et al. (2002) +1 other reference |
| Gröbner (2001) | |
| Uwe Kolitsch and Branko Rieck (unpubl. SEM-EDS results) |
Italy | |
| Bortolozzi et al. (2017) |
| Bortolozzi (n.d.) |
| Piccoli et al. (2007) |
| Piccoli et al. (2007) |
| Piccoli et al. (2007) |
| Fernando Caboni et al. (2024) |
| Fernando Caboni et al. (2024) | |
| //doi.org/10.57635/MICRO.2025.23.16 |
| Zordan et al. (2006) +2 other references |
Japan | |
| Matsubara et al. (2006) |
Mexico | |
| Moore et al. (2003) |
| Moore (2008) | |
| Panczner (1987) | |
| ... |
| Mineralogical Magazine 1972 38 : ... |
| Berrocal-Lopez +1 other reference |
| Panczner (1987) |
Namibia | |
| Palache et al. (1951) |
| Cairncross (2005) | |
| ... +3 other references |
| Palache et al. (1951) +2 other references |
Peru | |
| Petersen (1970) |
| Petersen (1970) |
| Petersen (1970) |
Portugal | |
| Alves (n.d.) |
South Africa | |
| Malcolm Southwood (2002) |
| Malcolm Southwood (2002) | |
Spain | |
| in Spanish version (Revista de Minerales) +1 other reference |
| A. Arribas et al. (2005) |
| Sintes et al. (2025) |
| G. Leal et al. (2005) +1 other reference | |
| Rewitzer et al. (2020) |
| García Guirado (2016) |
| Calvo (2015) |
| Castillo-Oliver et al. (2019) |
| Joan Abella i Creus (Joanabellacreus@gmail.com) |
| Sainz de Baranda Graf et al. (2023) |
| Calvo Rebollar (2015) |
| MinRec-2003-0708-315 |
| Fabre (n.d.) |
| Viñals et al. (2007) |
| Mineralogía de la concesión San Rafael | |
| issuu.com (n.d.) +1 other reference |
| issuu.com (n.d.) +1 other reference | |
UK | |
| Golley et al. (1995) |
| Bruce et al. (1998) |
| Golley et al. (1995) |
| Golley et al. (1995) |
| Fluorite: The Collector's Choice. Extra ... |
| Stanley et al. (1991) |
| Sorrell (n.d.) |
| Hartley (1984) +1 other reference |
USA | |
| Anthony et al. (1995) |
| Anthony et al. (1995) | |
| Anthony et al. (1995) | |
| Williams (1977) +1 other reference | |
| Anthony et al. (1995) +1 other reference | |
| Collected by Joe Ruiz. Raman analyzed ... | |
| Anthony et al. (1995) |
| Castor et al. (2004) |
| Castor et al. (2004) |
| Bob Werner (2009) |
| Castor et al. (2004) |
| Jensen (1993) +1 other reference |
| B.A. Collection. |
| Mackenzie (1885) +2 other references |
| Collection of Alex Earl | |
| Palache et al. (1951) | |
| Roberts et al. (1997) |
| Bullock (1981) |
| Bullock (1981) |
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