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Pottsite
A valid IMA mineral species
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About Pottsite
The back wall of the cut is where the pottsite is found
Linka Mine, Spencer Hot Springs Mining District, Lander County, Nevada, USA
Linka Mine, Spencer Hot Springs Mining District, Lander County, Nevada, USA
Formula:
(Pb3xBi4-2x)(VO4)4 · H2O (0.8 < x < 1.0)
Ideal formula: (Pb3Bi)Bi(VO4)4·H2O.
Colour:
Bright yellow
Lustre:
Adamantine
Hardness:
3½
Specific Gravity:
7.0
Crystal System:
Tetragonal
Name:
Named for type locality, Potts, Lander Co., Nevada
The only natural Pb-Bi vanadate currently (2026) known (unique combination of elements).
The Pb/Bi ratio varies in the range from 0.86 to 1.48.
Crystal structure details:
(1) A site split into two partially occupied subsites;
(2) distorted square antiprismatic coordination of Bi;
(3) contains trace As and Cl;
(4) isolated vanadate tetrahedra have common oxygen atoms with heavy metals -> double-layer units || (001), shifted from themselves by 1/2 b;
(5) there are [(VO4)(H2O)]3- chains, separated in the (001) plane by rows of heavy metals, that extend in the [120] direction.
The Pb/Bi ratio varies in the range from 0.86 to 1.48.
Crystal structure details:
(1) A site split into two partially occupied subsites;
(2) distorted square antiprismatic coordination of Bi;
(3) contains trace As and Cl;
(4) isolated vanadate tetrahedra have common oxygen atoms with heavy metals -> double-layer units || (001), shifted from themselves by 1/2 b;
(5) there are [(VO4)(H2O)]3- chains, separated in the (001) plane by rows of heavy metals, that extend in the [120] direction.
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
3270
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:3270:0
Similar Names
| Petzite | A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered | Ag3AuTe2 |
| Pitticite | A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered - questionable | (Fe, AsO4, H2O) (?) |
| Pittizite (of Beudant) | A synonym of 'Glockerite' | |
| Potosíite | A variety of Franckeite | Pb6Sn3FeSb3S16 |
| Putzite | A valid IMA mineral species | (Cu4.7Ag3.3)GeS6 |
IMA Classification of Pottsite
Classification of Pottsite
8.CG.25
8 : PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, VANADATES
C : Phosphates without additional anions, with H2O
G : With large and medium-sized cations, RO4:H2O = 1:1
8 : PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, VANADATES
C : Phosphates without additional anions, with H2O
G : With large and medium-sized cations, RO4:H2O = 1:1
40.1.4.1
40 : HYDRATED NORMAL PHOSPHATES,ARSENATES AND VANADATES
1 : AB(XO4)·xH2O
40 : HYDRATED NORMAL PHOSPHATES,ARSENATES AND VANADATES
1 : AB(XO4)·xH2O
21.3.17
21 : Vanadates (and vanadates with arsenate or phosphate)
3 : Vanadates of Al, rare earths, Pb, V or Bi
21 : Vanadates (and vanadates with arsenate or phosphate)
3 : Vanadates of Al, rare earths, Pb, V or Bi
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Pot | 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 Pottsite
Adamantine
Colour:
Bright yellow
Streak:
Pale yellow
Hardness:
3½ on Mohs scale
Tenacity:
Brittle
Cleavage:
None Observed
Density:
7.0 g/cm3 (Measured) 7.31 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Pottsite
Type:
Uniaxial (-)
RI values:
nω = 2.4 nε = 2.3
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.100
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 uniaxial interference figure - the conoscopic
(convergent-light, Bertrand-lens-in) view, for a grain cut with the optic axis
centred and vertical. The coloured rings are isochromatics, computed with the
same physics as the Michel-Lévy bar above; the dark cross is the isogyre.
For a genuinely uniaxial mineral viewed this way, that cross stays perfectly stationary if you rotate the stage - unlike a biaxial mineral, where it splits apart on rotation. That invariance is itself the standard diagnostic test for telling uniaxial and biaxial minerals apart at the microscope.
For a genuinely uniaxial mineral viewed this way, that cross stays perfectly stationary if you rotate the stage - unlike a biaxial mineral, where it splits apart on rotation. That invariance is itself the standard diagnostic test for telling uniaxial and biaxial minerals apart at the microscope.
Chemistry of Pottsite
Mindat Formula:
(Pb3xBi4-2x)(VO4)4 · H2O (0.8 < x < 1.0)
Ideal formula: (Pb3Bi)Bi(VO4)4·H2O.
Ideal formula: (Pb3Bi)Bi(VO4)4·H2O.
Element Weights:
Crystallography of Pottsite
Crystal System:
Tetragonal
Class (H-M):
4/m - Dipyramidal
Space Group:
I41/a
Setting:
I41/a
Cell Parameters:
a = 11.084 Å, c = 12.634 Å
Ratio:
a:c = 1 : 1.14
Unit Cell V:
1,552.15 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Morphology:
Bipyramids or stubby prisms terminated by pyramids. Forms include {101} (dominant), {110}, {103}, and {211}.
Twinning:
Twinning not observed.
Comment:
Parameters from the recent refinement (Siidra et al., 2016): a=11.0839, c=12.6516
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 3.062 Å | (100) |
| 4.618 Å | (90) |
| 3.210 Å | (40) |
| 2.476 Å | (40) |
| 4.168 Å | (30) |
| 2.252 Å | (30) |
| 2.184 Å | (30) |
Comments:
Linka Mine, Nevada, USA. Data from the type description.
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| Stage 7: Great Oxidation Event | <2.4 |
| 47a : [Near-surface hydration of prior minerals] | |
| 47b : [Sulfates and sulfites] | |
| 47e : [Vanadates, chromates, manganates] |
Type Occurrence of Pottsite
General Appearance of Type Material:
Euhedral crystals, 0.5-1 mm in size, forming bipyramids or stubby prisms terminated by pyramids.
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
Natural History Museum, London, United Kingdom.
Geological Setting of Type Material:
Tungsten mineralization in tactites adjoining a grandiorite intrusion that saw later retrograde metamorphism and fracturing cut by pyrite, chlorite and hematite.
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
Synonyms of Pottsite
Other Language Names for Pottsite
Common Associates
Associations Based on Photo Data:
| 31 photos of Pottsite associated with Clinobisvanite | Bi(VO4) |
| 15 photos of Pottsite associated with Quartz | SiO2 |
| 9 photos of Pottsite associated with Bismutite | (BiO)2CO3 |
| 4 photos of Pottsite associated with Andradite | Ca3Fe3+2(SiO4)3 |
| 2 photos of Pottsite associated with Vanadinite | Pb5(VO4)3Cl |
| 1 photo of Pottsite associated with Actinolite | ◻Ca2(Mg4.5-2.5Fe0.5-2.5)Si8O22(OH)2 |
| 1 photo of Pottsite associated with Grossular | Ca3Al2(SiO4)3 |
| 1 photo of Pottsite associated with Junoite | Cu2Pb3Bi8(S,Se)16 |
| 1 photo of Pottsite associated with Kettnerite | CaBiCO3OF |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 8.CG. | Fluckite | CaMn2+(AsO3OH)2 · 2H2O |
| 8.CG. | Dondoellite | Ca2Fe(PO4)2 · 2H2O |
| 8.CG. | 'Ca-Huréaulite' | CaMn5(PO4)4 · 4H2O |
| 8.CG. | Alumolukrahnite | Ca[CuAl](AsO4)2(H2O,OH)2 |
| 8.CG.05 | Parabrandtite | Ca2Mn2+(AsO4)2 · 2H2O |
| 8.CG.05 | Talmessite | Ca2Mg(AsO4)2 · 2H2O |
| 8.CG.05 | Collinsite | Ca2Mg(PO4)2 · 2H2O |
| 8.CG.05 | Messelite | Ca2Fe2+(PO4)2 · 2H2O |
| 8.CG.05 | Gaitite | Ca2Zn(AsO4)2 · 2H2O |
| 8.CG.05 | Anorthoroselite | Ca2Co(AsO4)2 · 2H2O |
| 8.CG.05 | Cassidyite | Ca2Ni(PO4)2 · 2H2O |
| 8.CG.05 | Fairfieldite | Ca2Mn2+(PO4)2 · 2H2O |
| 8.CG.05 | Hillite | Ca2Zn(PO4)2 · 2H2O |
| 8.CG.05 | 'Unnamed (Fe2+-analogue of Parabrandtite)' | Ca2Fe2+(AsO4)2 · 2H2O |
| 8.CG.10 | Zincroselite | Ca2Zn(AsO4)2 · 2H2O |
| 8.CG.10 | Roselite | Ca2Co(AsO4)2 · 2H2O |
| 8.CG.10 | Rruffite | Ca2Cu(AsO4)2 · 2H2O |
| 8.CG.10 | Wendwilsonite | Ca2Mg(AsO4)2 · 2H2O |
| 8.CG.10 | Brandtite | Ca2Mn2+(AsO4)2 · 2H2O |
| 8.CG.10 | 'Unnamed (Fe2+-analogue of Brandtite)' | Ca2Fe2+(AsO4)2 · 2H2O |
| 8.CG.15 | Mawbyite | PbFe3+2(AsO4)2(OH)2 |
| 8.CG.15 | Thometzekite | PbCu2+2(AsO4)2 · 2H2O |
| 8.CG.15 | Yancowinnaite | PbCuAl(AsO4)2OH · H2O |
| 8.CG.15 | Schneebergite | BiCo2(AsO4)2(OH) · H2O |
| 8.CG.15 | Cabalzarite | CaMg2(AsO4)2 · 2H2O |
| 8.CG.15 | Nickelschneebergite | BiNi2(AsO4)2(OH) · H2O |
| 8.CG.15 | Lotharmeyerite | CaZn2(AsO4)2 · 2H2O |
| 8.CG.15 | Nickeltsumcorite | Pb(Ni,Fe3+)2(AsO4)2(H2O,OH)2 |
| 8.CG.15 | Magnesiofluckite | CaMg(AsO3OH)2(H2O)2 |
| 8.CG.15 | Krettnichite | PbMn3+2(VO4)2(OH)2 |
| 8.CG.15 | Cobalttsumcorite | PbCo2(AsO4)2 · 2H2O |
| 8.CG.15 | Manganlotharmeyerite | CaMn3+2(AsO4)2(OH)2 |
| 8.CG.15 | Tsumcorite | PbZn2(AsO4)2 · 2H2O |
| 8.CG.15 | Ferrilotharmeyerite | CaZnFe3+(AsO4)2(OH) · H2O |
| 8.CG.15 | Cobaltlotharmeyerite | CaCo2(AsO4)2 · 2H2O |
| 8.CG.15 | Mounanaite | PbFe3+2(VO4)2(OH)2 |
| 8.CG.15 | Nickellotharmeyerite | CaNi2(AsO4)2 · 2H2O |
| 8.CG.20 | Lukrahnite | CaCuFe3+(AsO4)2(OH,H2O)2 |
| 8.CG.20 | Helmutwinklerite | PbZn2(AsO4)2 · 2H2O |
| 8.CG.20 | Phosphogartrellite | PbCuFe3+(PO4)2(OH,H2O)2 |
| 8.CG.20 | Gartrellite | PbCuFe3+(AsO4)2(OH) · H2O |
| 8.CG.20 | Zincgartrellite | PbZn2(AsO4)2(H2O,OH)2 |
| 8.CG.20 | Rappoldite | PbCo2(AsO4)2 · 2H2O |
| 8.CG.25 | Armellinoite-(Ce) | Ca4Ce4+(AsO4)4 · H2O |
| 8.CG.35 | Nickeltalmessite | Ca2Ni(AsO4)2 · 2H2O |
| 8.CG.55 | Irhtemite | Ca4Mg(AsO4)2(HAsO4)2 · 4H2O |
Other Information
Thermal Behaviour:
Fuses to a tan, syrupy slag.
Notes:
In cold 16% HCl it quickly turns chalk white but does not dissolve. Unaffected by cold 20% KOH. Readily soluble in cold 15% 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 Pottsite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-3270.html
Please feel free to link to this page.
Please feel free to link to this page.
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References for Pottsite
Reference List:
Williams, S. A. (1988) Pottsite, a New Vanadate from Lander County, Nevada. Mineralogical Magazine, 52 (366) 389-390 doi:10.1180/minmag.1988.052.366.10
Frost, Ray L., Henry, Dermot A., Weier, Matt L., Martens, Wayde (2006) Raman spectroscopy of three polymorphs of BiVO4: clinobisvanite, dreyerite and pucherite, with comparisons to (VO4)3-bearing minerals: namibite, pottsite and schumacherite. Journal of Raman Spectroscopy, 37 (7). 722-732 doi:10.1002/jrs.1499
Kovrugin, Vadim M.; Siidra, Oleg I.; Zaitsev, Anatoly N.; Spratt, John; Shilovskikh, Vladimir; Agakhanov, Atali A.; Turner, Rick W. (2016) The crystal structure and composition of pottsite, (Pb3xBi4-2x)(VO4)4·H2O, 0.8 < x < 1.0. European Journal of Mineralogy, 28 (1). 137-145 doi:10.1127/ejm/2015/0027-2479
Localities for Pottsite
Showing 5 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 | |
| Frost et al. (2006) |
Germany | |
| Blass et al. (2004) |
USA | |
| Robert E.Walstrom Collection |
| Walstrom (n.d.) +1 other reference |
| Walstrom +2 other references |
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Linka Mine, Spencer Hot Springs Mining District, Lander County, Nevada, USA