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⇱ Cuprotungstite: Mineral information, data and localities.

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Cuprotungstite

A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered
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About CuprotungstiteHide

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Formula:
Cu2(WO4)(OH)2
Colour:
Emerald green, brown, olive-green, pistachio-green
Lustre:
Vitreous, Waxy, Earthy
Hardness:
4 - 5
Specific Gravity:
5.4 - 6.98
Crystal System:
Tetragonal
Name:
In allusion to the composition, containing copper (Latin = CUPRum) and TUNGSTen.
A rare secondary mineral commonly occurring as the result of scheelite altering in a copper-rich environment.


Unique IdentifiersHide

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Mindat ID:
1194
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:1194:1

IMA Classification of CuprotungstiteHide

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Approved, 'Grandfathered' (first described prior to 1959)
IMA Formula:
Cu2+3(WO4)2(OH)2

Classification of CuprotungstiteHide

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7.GB.15

7 : SULFATES (selenates, tellurates, chromates, molybdates, wolframates)
G : Molybdates, Wolframates and Niobates
B : With additional anions and/or H2O
48.3.2.1

48 : ANHYDROUS MOLYBDATES AND TUNGSTATES
3 : Basic Anhydrous Molybdates and Tungstates
27.4.1

27 : Sulphites, Chromates, Molybdates and Tungstates
4 : Tungstates

Mineral SymbolsHide

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As of 2021 there are now IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols (abbreviations) for each mineral species, useful for tables and diagrams.

SymbolSourceReference for Standard
CtgsIMA–CNMNCWarr, L.N. (2021). IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols. Mineralogical Magazine, 85(3), 291-320. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43

Physical Properties of CuprotungstiteHide

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Vitreous, Waxy, Earthy
Transparency:
Translucent
Colour:
Emerald green, brown, olive-green, pistachio-green
Streak:
Greenish gray to greenish yellow
Hardness:
4 - 5 on Mohs scale
Density:
5.4 - 6.98 g/cm3 (Measured)    7.06 g/cm3 (Calculated)

Optical Data of CuprotungstiteHide

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Type:
Uniaxial (-)
RI values:
nω = 2.18 nε = 2.1
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.080
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.

Surface Relief:
Moderate

Chemistry of CuprotungstiteHide

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Mindat Formula:
Cu2(WO4)(OH)2
Element Weights:
Element% weight
W44.955 %
Cu31.078 %
O23.474 %
H0.493 %

Calculated from ideal end-member formula.

Crystallography of CuprotungstiteHide

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Crystal System:
Tetragonal
Class (H-M):
422 - Trapezohedral
Space Group:
P41212
Cell Parameters:
a = 8.93 Å, c = 14.48 Å
Ratio:
a:c = 1 : 1.622
Unit Cell V:
1,154.71 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
12
Morphology:
Crystals minute, dipyramidal; forms microcrystalline aggregates of botryoidal globules, incrustations, and veinlets; also compact to friable massive.

X-Ray Powder DiffractionHide

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Powder Diffraction Data:
d-spacingIntensity
2.53 Å(100)
4.03 Å(80)
3.80 Å(80)
1.462 Å(70)
7.76 Å(50b)
1.729 Å(50b)
2.45 Å(40)
2.35 Å(40)
2.23 Å(40b)
4.73 Å(30)
Comments:
Cave Creek, Arizona, USA. Data from Walenta (1979).

Geological EnvironmentHide

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Paragenetic Mode(s):
Paragenetic ModeEarliest Age (Ga)
Stage 7: Great Oxidation Event<2.4
47a : [Near-surface hydration of prior minerals]

Type Occurrence of CuprotungstiteHide

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Place of Conservation of Type Material:
Natural History Museum, Paris, France: #69.47.

Synonyms of CuprotungstiteHide

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Other Language Names for CuprotungstiteHide

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Common AssociatesHide

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Associations Based on Photo Data:
34 photos of Cuprotungstite associated with ScheeliteCa(WO4)
15 photos of Cuprotungstite associated with QuartzSiO2
9 photos of Cuprotungstite associated with StolzitePb(WO4)
7 photos of Cuprotungstite associated with RaspitePb(WO4)
4 photos of Cuprotungstite associated with Wolframite Group
4 photos of Cuprotungstite associated with Epidote(CaCa)(AlAlFe3+)O[Si2O7][SiO4](OH)
3 photos of Cuprotungstite associated with FerberiteFeWO4
2 photos of Cuprotungstite associated with HübneriteMnWO4
2 photos of Cuprotungstite associated with ClinobisvaniteBi(VO4)
2 photos of Cuprotungstite associated with Rhabdophane-(Ce)Ce(PO4) · 0.6H2O

Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat GroupingHide

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7.GB.Stunorthropite(NH4)4[Mo2O6(MoO4)2]Tric. 1 : P1
7.GB.HartkoppeiteCa4Mn2+Mo6+6As5+4O32(OH)2(H2O)14 · 5H2OTric. 1 : P1
7.GB.WangpuiteK3(PO4)(Mo12O36)Iso. m3m(4/m32/m) : Pn3m
7.GB.Alexearlite Hg3(MoO4)S2Orth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) : Pnma
7.GB.OotanniteTh4+2W6+4O16 · 5H2OMon. 2/m : P21/b
7.GB.NatromolybditeNa2MoO4 · 2H2OOrth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) : Pbca
7.GB.Marsaalamite-(Y)Y(MoO4)(OH)Mon. 2/m : P21/b
7.GB.05LindgreniteCu3(MoO4)2(OH)2Mon. 2/m : P21/m
7.GB.10SzenicsiteCu3(MoO4)(OH)4Orth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) : Pnnm
7.GB.15'UM1999-38-WO:CrV'(V, Cr, W, O, H) [V:Cr:W ratio about 2:1:3]
7.GB.15HueniteCu4(MoO4)3(OH)2Trig. 3m : P31c
7.GB.20Phyllotungstite(H2O,M)x(W,Fe)(O,OH)3 · yH2O (M = Ca, Cs, Pb or K)Hex. 6/mmm(6/m2/m2/m) : P63/mmc
7.GB.25RankachiteCa0.5(V4+,V5+)(W6+,Fe3+)2O8(OH) · 2H2OMon. 2/m : P21/m
7.GB.30FerrimolybditeFe2(MoO4)3 · nH2OOrth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) : Pmmn
7.GB.35MpororoiteWAlO3(OH)3 · 2(H2O)Tric.
7.GB.35AnthoiniteAlWO3(OH)3Tric. 1
7.GB.40Obradovicite-KCu[K2(H2O)17Cu(H2O)6][Mo8As2Fe3+3O34(OH)3]Orth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) : Pmna
7.GB.45Paramendozavilite[KAl4(H2O)30][Mo12P6Fe3+6O60(OH)13]Mon.
7.GB.45Mendozavilite-NaFe[Na2(H2O)15Fe3+(H2O)6][Mo8P2Fe3+3O35(OH)2]Mon. 2/m : B2/m
7.GB.45Obradovicite-NaCuNa2(H2O)17Cu(H2O)6][Mo8As2Fe3+3O34(OH)3] Orth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) : Pmna
7.GB.45Obradovicite-NaNa[Na2(H2O)16Na(H2O)6][Mo8As2Fe3+3O33(OH)4] Orth.
7.GB.50Tancaite-(Ce)FeCe(MoO4)3 · 3H2O Trig. 3 : R3
7.GB.50Mendozavilite-NaCu[Na2(H2O)15Cu(H2O)6][Mo8P2Fe3+3O34(OH)3] Mon. 2/m : B2/m
7.GB.50Mendozavilite-KCa[K2(H2O)15Ca(H2O)6][Mo8P2Fe3+3O34(OH)3] Mon. 2/m : B2/m
7.GB.60PeterandreseniteMn4Nb6O19 · 14H2OMon. 2/m : B2/m
7.GB.60HansesmarkiteCa2Mn2Nb6O19 · 20H2OTric. 1 : P1
7.GB.60MelcheriteBa2Na2Mg[Nb6O19] · 6H2OTrig. 3 : R3
7.GB.65IchnusaiteTh(MoO4)2 · 3H2OMon. 2/m : P21/b
7.GB.70MarkascheriteCu3(MoO4)(OH)4Mon. 2/m : P21/m
7.GB.75NuragheiteTh(MoO4)2 · H2OMon. 2/m : P21/b
7.GB.80OphiriteCa2Mg4[Zn2Mn3+2(H2O)2(Fe3+W9O34)2] · 46H2OTric. 1 : P1

Other InformationHide

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Notes:
Readily soluble in acids.

Forms more or less complete pseudomorphs after scheelite.
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 CuprotungstiteHide

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mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-1194.html
Please feel free to link to this page.

References for CuprotungstiteHide

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Reference List:

Localities for CuprotungstiteHide

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Showing 80 localities.

This map shows a selection of localities that have latitude and longitude coordinates recorded. Click on the 👁 Image
symbol to view information about a locality. The 👁 Image
symbol next to localities in the list can be used to jump to that position on the map.

Locality ListHide

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👁 Image
- This locality has map coordinates listed. 👁 Image
- This locality has estimated coordinates. ⓘ - Click for references and further information on this occurrence. ? - Indicates mineral may be doubtful at this locality. 👁 Image
- Good crystals or important locality for species. 👁 Image
- World class for species or very significant. (TL) - Type Locality for a valid mineral species. (FRL) - First Recorded Locality for everything else (eg varieties). Struck out - Mineral was erroneously reported from this locality. Faded * - Never found at this locality but inferred to have existed at some point in the past (e.g. from pseudomorphs).

All localities listed without proper references should be considered as questionable.
Argentina
  • Mendoza Province
    • Las Heras Department
      • Uspallata District
        • Paramillos de Uspallata
Kevin Conroy Collection
Australia
  • New South Wales
    • Georgiana Co.
      • Tuena
Donald H. McColl (1973) +1 other reference
    • Yancowinna Co.
      • Broken Hill district
  • Northern Territory
    • Barkly Region
Ryan (1961)
Ryan (1961)
  • Queensland
    • Cloncurry Shire
      • Kuridala
Jim Sharpe coll.
      • Rosebud Station
Tested by Stu Mills
  • Tasmania
    • Northern Midlands municipality
      • Rossarden mining district
Bottrill et al. (2008)
Chile
  • Atacama
    • Copiapó Province
      • Copiapó
        • Cerro Blanco mining district
Sillitoe et al. (1970)
    • Huasco Province
      • Vallenar
C. Ruiz Fuller/F. Peebles (1988)
  • Coquimbo
    • Choapa Province
      • Salamanca
Palache et al. (1951) +1 other reference
    • Elqui Province
      • La Higuera
C. Ruiz Fuller/F. Peebles (1988)
      • La Serena
        • Tambillos mining district
- (1948)
France
  • Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
    • Var
      • Toulon
        • Le Pradet
Favreau et al. (2024)
Georges FAVREAU collection & EDX ... +1 other reference
Germany
  • Baden-Württemberg
    • Freiburg Region
      • Ortenaukreis
        • Oberwolfach
Walenta (1979) +1 other reference
  • Saxony
    • Mittelsachsen
      • Claußnitz
Gröbner et al. (2006)
Italy
  • Piedmont
    • Metropolitan City of Turin
      • Lessolo
        • Calea
www.webmineralshop.com (2001)
Japan
  • Yamaguchi Prefecture
    • Mine city
SHIROSE et al. (2011) +2 other references
Yamada (2001)
Uehara et al. (2014)
  • Yamanashi Prefecture
    • Kinpuzan mining district
      • Kofu City
        • Kurobera
Palache et al. (1951)
Kazakhstan
  • Jambyl Region
    • Moiynkum District
Pavel.M. Kartashov (n.d.) +1 other reference
Mexico (TL)
  • Baja California Sur
    • La Paz Municipality
Adam (1869) +1 other reference
  • Chihuahua
    • Buenaventura Municipality
      • San Lorenzo
Panczner (1987)
  • Sonora
    • Arizpe Municipality
      • Arizpe
Palache et al. (1951)
    • Huépac Municipality
      • Huépac
Panczner (1987)
    • Yécora Municipality
      • San Nicolás
Panczner (1987)
Panczner (1987)
Namibia
  • Khomas Region
    • Windhoek Rural
      • Gamsberg area
        • Natas Farm 220
Collection of NHM +1 other reference
  • Kunene Region
    • Khorixas
      • Mesopotamia copper valley
Niedermayr (2001) +1 other reference
Portugal
  • Évora
    • Montemor-o-Novo
      • Nossa Senhora da Vila， Nossa Senhora do Bispo e Silveiras
Alves (n.d.)
South Africa
  • Limpopo
    • Sekhukhune District Municipality
      • Ephraim Mogale Local Municipality
        • Marble Hall
Cairncross et al. (1995)
Malcolm Southwood (2002)
  • Northern Cape
    • ZF Mgcawu District Municipality
      • Kai !Garib Local Municipality
Cairncross et al. (1995)
UK
  • England
    • Cornwall
      • Calstock
        • Gunnislake
          • Clitters United Mines
Golley et al. (1995)
      • St Day
Golley et al. (1995)
      • Treverbyn
        • Stenalees
Golley et al. (1995)
    • Cumbria
      • Copeland
        • Waberthwaite
Day (1999)
USA
  • Arizona
    • Cochise County
      • Cochise Mining District
Dale et al. (1960) +2 other references
        • Dragoon
Wilson
    • La Paz County
      • Eagletail Mts (Cemetary Ridge)
        • Eagle Tail Mining District
Galbraith (1959) +1 other reference
    • Maricopa County
      • Cave Creek
Hess (1917) +3 other references
      • Palo Verde Mountains
Hess (1917) +4 other references
Schaller (1932) +1 other reference
    • Mohave County
      • Hualapai Mountains
        • Boriana Mining District
          • Boriana Canyon
Wilson (1941) +1 other reference
    • Pima County
      • Helvetia-Rosemont Mining District
        • Helvetia
Galbraith (1959)
          • Monument Mountain
Collected personally +1 other reference
  • California
    • Inyo County
      • Panamint Range (Panamint Mountains)
        • Cottonwood Mountains
          • Ubehebe Mining District
            • Big Dodd Spring
McAllister (1955) +3 other references
    • Kern County
      • White River Mining District
        • White River area
Schaller (1932) +2 other references
    • Plumas County
      • Last Chance Mining District
        • Adams Peak
Dunning et al. (2005)
Collected July 2023 by Michael J. ...
Dunning et al. (2005)
    • Riverside County
      • Santa Rosa Mountains
        • Santa Rosa Mountain District (Santa Rosa Mountain area)
          • Santa Rosa Mountain
Petrov (n.d.)
    • Sierra County
      • Dog Valley Mining District
        • Quartz Knob
Pemberton (1983) +1 other reference
  • Colorado
    • Chaffee County
      • Cleora Mining District
Eckel et al. (1997)
Eckel et al. (1997)
  • Idaho
    • Adams County
Rocks & Min. 70:244
        • Cuprum
O'Donoghue (1976)
Ream (2004)
  • Montana
    • Beaverhead County
      • Calvert Hill Mining District
Gobla (2012)
  • Nevada
    • Esmeralda County
Castor et al. (2004)
    • Lander County
      • Battle Mountain Mining District
USGS Bull 2009
    • Mineral County
      • Leonard Mining District
Castor et al. (2004)
    • Pershing County
      • Toy Mining District
Field collected by Norm Stine in 1946.
  • New Mexico
    • Hidalgo County
DeMark (2004)
Min News 20:10 p 8
    • Sierra County
Northrop et al. (1996)
    • Taos County
Northrop et al. (1996)
    • Cabarrus County
Genth (1891)
    • Vance County
      • Hamme Tungsten Mining District
        • Tungsten
U.S Geological Survey Bulletin 948-A +1 other reference
  • Utah
    • Tooele County
      • Gold Hill Mining District (Clifton Mining District)
        • Clifton
Jaroslav Hyrsl specimen
Bullock (1981)
        • Pole Star Copper Company Mine Group
Bullock (1981)
Bullock (1981)
  • Virginia
    • Mecklenburg County
      • Hamme Tungsten
Dietrich (1990)
Dietrich (1990)
Dietrich (1990)
Zimbabwe
  • Matabeleland North
    • Hwange District
Wolfgang Hampel
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