VOOZH about

URL: https://www.mindat.org/min-407.html

⇱ Atelestite: Mineral information, data and localities.

👁 Image
Now Featuring: The Bruce Carter Collection at Heritage Auctions, Live May 16th
Log InRegister
AboutSupport UsPhotosDiscussionsSearchLearnMore

Atelestite

A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered
This page is currently not sponsored. Click here to sponsor this page.

About AtelestiteHide

This section is currently hidden. Click the show button to view.
Formula:
Bi2(AsO4)O(OH)
Colour:
Sulphur-yellow to yellowish-green, wax-yellow, yellow-brown
Lustre:
Adamantine, Resinous
Hardness:
4½ - 5
Specific Gravity:
7.14
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Name:
From the Greek άτελής for "incomplete," presumably because its composition was unknown when first described.

Unique IdentifiersHide

This section is currently hidden. Click the show button to view.
Mindat ID:
407
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:407:5

IMA Classification of AtelestiteHide

This section is currently hidden. Click the show button to view.
Approved, 'Grandfathered' (first described prior to 1959)
IMA Formula:
Bi2O(AsO4)(OH)
First published:
1832

Classification of AtelestiteHide

This section is currently hidden. Click the show button to view.
8.BO.15

8 : PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, VANADATES
B : Phosphates, etc., with additional anions, without H2O
O : With only large cations, (OH, etc.):RO4 about 1:1
Dana 7th ed.:
41.11.5.1
41.11.5.1

41 : ANHYDROUS PHOSPHATES, ETC.CONTAINING HYDROXYL OR HALOGEN
11 : Miscellaneous
20.6.4

20 : Arsenates (also arsenates with phosphate, but without other anions)
6 : Arsenates of Bi

Mineral SymbolsHide

This section is currently hidden. Click the show button to view.
As of 2021 there are now IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols (abbreviations) for each mineral species, useful for tables and diagrams.

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

Physical Properties of AtelestiteHide

This section is currently hidden. Click the show button to view.
Adamantine, Resinous
Transparency:
Transparent, Translucent
Colour:
Sulphur-yellow to yellowish-green, wax-yellow, yellow-brown
Comment:
Light yellow to colourless in transmitted light.
Streak:
(not reported)
Hardness:
4½ - 5 on Mohs scale
Cleavage:
Poor/Indistinct
On {001}, indistinct.
Fracture:
Sub-Conchoidal
Density:
7.14 g/cm3 (Measured)    6.95 g/cm3 (Calculated)

Optical Data of AtelestiteHide

This section is currently hidden. Click the show button to view.
Type:
Biaxial (+)
RI values:
nα = 2.14 nβ = 2.15 nγ = 2.18
2V:
Measured: 42° to 46°, Calculated: 62°
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.040
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
Dispersion:
r < v, strong

Chemistry of AtelestiteHide

This section is currently hidden. Click the show button to view.
Mindat Formula:
Bi2(AsO4)O(OH)
Element Weights:
Element% weight
Bi70.854 %
O16.274 %
As12.701 %
H0.171 %

Calculated from ideal end-member formula.

Crystallography of AtelestiteHide

This section is currently hidden. Click the show button to view.
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Class (H-M):
2/m - Prismatic
Space Group:
P21/b
Setting:
P21/c
Cell Parameters:
a = 10.88 Å, b = 7.42 Å, c = 6.98 Å
β = 107.2°
Ratio:
a:b:c = 1.466 : 1 : 0.941
Unit Cell V:
538.29 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
4
Morphology:
Crystals generally minute, tabular {100}, with a, g, d and q commonly prominent. q{313} somewhat rounded. Other faces smooth and brilliant. Also occurs as spherical or mammillary crystalline aggregates with smooth surfaces.

Crystal StructureHide

This section is currently hidden. Click the show button to view.
Load
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
Display Options
Black Background | White Background
Perspective On | Perspective Off
2D | Stereo | Red-Blue | Red-Cyan
View
CIF File    Best | x | y | z | a | b | c
Rotation
Stop | Start
Labels
Console Off | On | Grey | Yellow
Data courtesy of the American Mineralogist Crystal Structure Database. Click on an AMCSD ID to view structure
IDSpeciesReferenceLinkYearLocalityPressure (GPa)Temp (K)
0012025AtelestiteMereiter K, Preisinger A (1986) Kristallstrukturdaten der wismutminerale atelestit, mixit und pucherit Anzeiger der Osterreichische Akademie der Wissenschaften 123 79-811986Schneeberg, Saxony, Germany0293
CIF Raw Data - click here to close

X-Ray Powder DiffractionHide

This section is currently hidden. Click the show button to view.
Powder Diffraction Data:
d-spacingIntensity
3.239 Å(100b)
6.62 Å(20)
4.233 Å(20)
3.116 Å(40)
2.725 Å(30)
2.526 Å(20)
2.201 Å(20)

Geological EnvironmentHide

This section is currently hidden. Click the show button to view.
Paragenetic Mode(s):
Geological Setting:
As a rare secondary mineral in the oxidized zone of bismuth- and arsenic-bearing mineral deposits.

Type Occurrence of AtelestiteHide

This section is currently hidden. Click the show button to view.
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
Technische Universität, Bergakademie Freiberg, Freiberg, Germany, number 21749.
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:

Synonyms of AtelestiteHide

This section is currently hidden. Click the show button to view.

Other Language Names for AtelestiteHide

This section is currently hidden. Click the show button to view.

Relationship of Atelestite to other SpeciesHide

This section is currently hidden. Click the show button to view.
Other Members of Atelestite Group:
HechtsbergiteBi2(VO4)O(OH)Mon. 2/m : P21/b
SmrkoveciteBi2(PO4)O(OH)Mon. 2/m : P21/b

Common AssociatesHide

This section is currently hidden. Click the show button to view.
Associated Minerals Based on Photo Data:
71 photos of Atelestite associated with MixiteBiCu6(AsO4)3(OH)6 · 3H2O
40 photos of Atelestite associated with QuartzSiO2
26 photos of Atelestite associated with Bismutite(BiO)2CO3
9 photos of Atelestite associated with Walpurgite(BiO)4(UO2)(AsO4)2 · 2H2O
9 photos of Atelestite associated with BaryteBaSO4
7 photos of Atelestite associated with ZeuneriteCu(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 12H2O
6 photos of Atelestite associated with GoethiteFe3+O(OH)
6 photos of Atelestite associated with EulytineBi4(SiO4)3
5 photos of Atelestite associated with BismuthiniteBi2S3
5 photos of Atelestite associated with BariopharmacosideriteBa0.5Fe3+4(AsO4)3(OH)4 · 5H2O

Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat GroupingHide

This section is currently hidden. Click the show button to view.
8.BO.AriegilatiteBaCa12(SiO4)4(PO4)2F2OTrig. 3m(32/m) : R3m
8.BO.AravaiteBa2Ca18(SiO4)6(PO4)3(CO3)F3OTrig. 3m(32/m) : R3m
8.BO.TheuerdankiteAg3AsO4Iso. 43m : P43n
8.BO.05NacaphiteNa2Ca(PO4)FMon. 2/m : P21/b
8.BO.10PetitjeaniteBi3(PO4)2O(OH)Tric. 1 : P1
8.BO.10SchumacheriteBi3(VO4)2O(OH)Tric. 1 : P1
8.BO.10PreisingeriteBi3(AsO4)2O(OH)Tric. 1 : P1
8.BO.15HechtsbergiteBi2(VO4)O(OH)Mon. 2/m : P21/b
8.BO.15SmrkoveciteBi2(PO4)O(OH)Mon. 2/m : P21/b
8.BO.20SahlinitePb14(AsO4)2O9Cl4Mon. 2/m : B2/b
8.BO.20KombatitePb14(VO4)2O9Cl4Mon. 2/m : B2/b
8.BO.25HeneuiteCaMg5(CO3)(PO4)3(OH)Tric. 1 : P1
8.BO.30NefedoviteNa5Ca4(PO4)4FTric.
8.BO.35Kuznetsovite[Hg2]2+Hg2+[AsO4]ClIso. 23 : P213
8.BO.40Artsmithite[Hg2]2+2Al(PO4)1.74(OH)1.78Mon. 2/m : B2/b
8.BO.45SchlegeliteBi7(AsO4)3(MoO4)2O4Orth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m)
8.BO.50Hereroite[Pb32(O,◻)21](AsO4)2[(Si,As,V,Mo)O4]2Cl10Mon. 2/m : B2/b
8.BO.50Erikjonssonite(Pb32O21)[(V,Si,Mo,As)O4]4Cl9Mon. 2/m : B2/b
8.BO.55Rudabányaite(Ag2Hg2)(AsO4)ClIso. 43m : F43c
8.BO.60SegerstromiteCa3(As5+O4)2[As3+(OH)3]2Iso. 23 : I213
8.BO.65WiklunditePb2(Mn2+,Zn)3(Fe3+,Mn2+)2(Mn2+,Mg)19(As3+O3)2[(Si,As5+)O4]6(OH)18Cl6Trig. 3m(32/m) : R3c

Other InformationHide

This section is currently hidden. Click the show button to view.
Notes:
Readily soluble in HCl; soluble with difficulty in HNO3.
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 AtelestiteHide

This section is currently hidden. Click the show button to view.
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-407.html
Please feel free to link to this page.

References for AtelestiteHide

This section is currently hidden. Click the show button to view.
Reference List:

Localities for AtelestiteHide

This section is currently hidden. Click the show button to view.

Showing 66 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

This section is currently hidden. Click the show button to view.
👁 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.
Austria
  • Carinthia
    • Spittal an der Drau District
      • Großkirchheim
        • Zirknitz
          • Große Zirknitz valley
BRANDSTÄTTER et al. (1990)
Bolivia
  • Potosí
    • Nor Chichas Province
      • Cotagaita Municipality
        • Cerro Tazna
          • Tasna Rosario
SEM-EDS & Raman confirmed by Joy Desor
China
  • Yunnan
    • Lincang
      • Zhenkang County
Wang et al. (2025)
Czech Republic
  • Karlovy Vary Region
    • Karlovy Vary District
Lapis 2002 (7/8)
    • Sokolov District
      • Březová
Řídkošil et al. (1996) +2 other references
  • Liberec Region
    • Semily District
      • Harrachov
Sejkora et al. (1994) +1 other reference
  • Ústí nad Labem Region
    • Chomutov District
      • Kryštofovy Hamry
Sejkora et al. (2019)
Finland
  • Central Finland
    • Luhanka
Luukkonen (1994)
France
  • Grand Est
    • Haut-Rhin
      • Colmar-Ribeauvillé
        • Munster
Nicolas Meisser
    • Vosges
      • Épinal
        • Le Val-d'Ajol
          • Faymont
Escande et al. (1973) +6 other references
Escande et al. (1973) +6 other references
  • Nouvelle-Aquitaine
    • Haute-Vienne
      • Bellac
        • Vaulry
Queneau (n.d.)
  • Occitanie
    • Aveyron
      • Rodez
        • Pruines
Georges FAVREAU collection and EDX ...
    • Lozère
      • Mende
        • Monts-de-Randon
          • Estables
Queneau (n.d.)
  • Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
    • Var
      • Toulon
        • Le Pradet
EDXS analysis by P. Roth in September ... +1 other reference
Favreau (n.d.) +2 other references
Germany
  • Baden-Württemberg
    • Freiburg Region
      • Ortenaukreis
        • Gengenbach
          • Gengenbach
Ko Jansen collection
        • Oberwolfach
Walenta (1992) +2 other references
      • Rottweil
        • Schenkenzell
          • Wittichen
            • Burgfelsen
            • Heubach Valley
Walenta (1992)
            • Wüstenbächle
Information from Carsten Slotta.
Aufschluss 1981 (5)
    • Karlsruhe Region
      • Calw
American Mineralogist: 69: 1190 +1 other reference
Walenta (1992)
        • Baiersbronn
          • Schönegründ
Walenta (1989)
        • Freudenstadt
Stephan Wolfsried collection +1 other reference
  • Hesse
    • Darmstadt
      • Bergstraße
        • Lautertal (Odenwald)
          • Gadernheim
          • Reichenbach
            • Hohenstein
Belendorff (2007)
  • Saxony
    • Erzgebirgskreis
      • Eibenstock
Wittern (2001)
      • Schneeberg
        • Neustädtel
Massanek et al. (2005)
Massanek et al. (2005)
Mineralogical Society of America - ...
Palache et al. (1951) +1 other reference
Massanek et al. (2005)
Massanek et al. (2005)
Massanek et al. (2005)
Palache et al. (1951) +1 other reference
          • Wolfgangmaßen
            • Wolfgangmaßen mines (Wolfgangmaaßen mines)
Schlegel et al. (1996) +1 other reference
Massanek et al. (2005)
Stephan Wolfsried collection
Massanek et al. (2005)
Greece
  • Attica
    • East Attica
      • Lavreotiki
        • Agios Konstantinos (Kamariza)
          • Kamariza Mines (Kamareza Mines)
in German +1 other reference
Rieck (n.d.) +1 other reference
Japan
  • Yamanashi Prefecture
    • Otsuki City
TANAKA et al. (2025)
Portugal
  • Vila Real
    • Ribeira de Pena
      • Cerva e Limões
Alves (n.d.)
Russia
  • Zabaykalsky Krai
    • Nerchinsky District
      • Adun-Cholon Range
Kasatkin et al. (2014)
Spain
  • Andalusia
    • Córdoba
      • Belalcázar
Rewitzer et al. (2016) +1 other reference
        • La Ventosilla farmhouse
Rewitzer et al. (2018)
    • Granada
      • Molvizar
Ko Jansen collection
Switzerland
  • Valais
    • Sierre
      • Anniviers
        • Saint-Luc
Stalder et al. (1998) +1 other reference
UK
  • England
    • Cornwall
      • St Hilary
S. Rust collection. +2 other references
    • Somerset
      • Somerset West and Taunton
        • Luxborough
Steve Rust collection
USA
  • California
    • Mono County
      • Bodie Hills
        • Masonic Mining District
          • New York Hill
Housley
  • Utah
    • East Tintic Mountains
      • Tintic Mining District
        • Mammoth
In the collection of Alex Earl
Mineralogical Society of America - ... +1 other reference
Thorne (n.d.)
Thorne (n.d.)
Thorne (n.d.)
    • Tooele County
      • Gold Hill Mining District (Clifton Mining District)
        • Gold Hill
Thorne (n.d.)
Thorne (n.d.)
    • Utah County
      • East Tintic Mining District
Mineralogical Society of America - ...
Quick NavTopAbout AtelestiteUnique IdentifiersIMA Classification Classification Mineral SymbolsPhysical Properties Optical Data Chemistry Crystallography Crystal StructureX-Ray Powder DiffractionGeological EnvironmentType Occurrence SynonymsOther LanguagesRelationshipsCommon AssociatesStrunz-MindatOther InformationInternet Links References Localities Locality List
Mindat.org® is an outreach project of the Hudson Institute of Mineralogy, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. Mindat® and mindat.org® are registered trademarks of the Hudson Institute of Mineralogy.
Copyright © mindat.org and the Hudson Institute of Mineralogy 1993-2026, except where stated. Most political location boundaries are © OpenStreetMap contributors. Mindat.org relies on the contributions of thousands of members and supporters. Founded in 2000 by Jolyon Ralph and Ida Chau.
To cite: Ralph, J., Von Bargen, D., Martynov, P., Zhang, J., Que, X., Prabhu, A., Morrison, S. M., Li, W., Chen, W., & Ma, X. (2025). Mindat.org: The open access mineralogy database to accelerate data-intensive geoscience research. American Mineralogist, 110(6), 833–844. doi:10.2138/am-2024-9486.
Privacy Policy - Terms & Conditions - Contact Us / DMCA issues - Report a bug/vulnerability Current server date and time: April 4, 2026 07:20:37 Page updated: March 9, 2026 07:20:28
Go to top of page