Log In
Tsumcorite
A valid IMA mineral species
This page is currently not sponsored. Click here to sponsor this page.
About Tsumcorite
Formula:
PbZn2(AsO4)2 · 2H2O
May contain minor Fe3+ replacing Zn.
Colour:
Yellow-brown, red-brown, orange
Lustre:
Vitreous
Hardness:
4½
Specific Gravity:
5.2
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Member of:
Name:
Named after its type locality, the Tsumeb Corporation (Tsumcor) mine, Tsumeb, Namibia
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
4039
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:4039:2
IMA Classification of Tsumcorite
Approved
IMA Formula:
Pb2+Zn2+2(As5+O4)2·2H2O
Approval year:
1969
First published:
1971
Classification of Tsumcorite
8.CG.15
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
Dana 7th ed.:
40.2.9.1
40.2.9.1
40 : HYDRATED NORMAL PHOSPHATES,ARSENATES AND VANADATES
2 : AB2(XO4)2·xH2O
40 : HYDRATED NORMAL PHOSPHATES,ARSENATES AND VANADATES
2 : AB2(XO4)2·xH2O
20.5.14
20 : Arsenates (also arsenates with phosphate, but without other anions)
5 : Arsenates of Ti and Pb
20 : Arsenates (also arsenates with phosphate, but without other anions)
5 : Arsenates of Ti and Pb
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Tmc | IMA–CNMNC | Warr, L.N. (2021). IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols. Mineralogical Magazine, 85(3), 291-320. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43 |
Pronunciation of Tsumcorite
Pronunciation:
| Play | Recorded by | Country |
|---|---|---|
| Debbie Woolf | United Kingdom |
Physical Properties of Tsumcorite
Vitreous
Transparency:
Translucent
Colour:
Yellow-brown, red-brown, orange
Streak:
Yellow
Hardness:
4½ on Mohs scale
Cleavage:
Distinct/Good
{001}, good.
{001}, good.
Density:
5.2 g/cm3 (Measured) 5.39 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Tsumcorite
Type:
Biaxial
RI values:
nα = 1.87 - 1.91 nβ = 1.89 - 1.93 nγ = 1.92 - 1.96
2V:
Measured: 67° to 84°
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.050
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:
dispersion not observed
Pleochroism:
Weak
Comments:
X = Z = pale yellow; Y = yellow.
Chemistry of Tsumcorite
Mindat Formula:
PbZn2(AsO4)2 · 2H2O
May contain minor Fe3+ replacing Zn.
May contain minor Fe3+ replacing Zn.
Element Weights:
Crystallography of Tsumcorite
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Class (H-M):
2/m - Prismatic
Space Group:
B2/m
Setting:
C2/m
Cell Parameters:
a = 9.124 Å, b = 6.329 Å, c = 7.577 Å
β = 115.3°
β = 115.3°
Ratio:
a:b:c = 1.442 : 1 : 1.197
Unit Cell V:
395.57 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
2
Twinning:
Common, on a unknown law
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) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0009499 | Tsumcorite | Tillmanns E, Gebert W (1973) The crystal structure of tsumcorite, a new mineral from the Tsumeb Mine, S.W. Africa Acta Crystallographica B29 2789-2794 |  | 1973 | Tsumeb mine, Namibia, Africa | 0 | 293 |
CIF Raw Data - click here to close
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 3.244 Å | (100) |
| 4.663 Å | (90) |
| 2.863 Å | (90) |
| 2.742 Å | (70) |
| 3.021 Å | (60) |
| 2.573 Å | (50) |
| 2.540 Å | (40) |
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| High-? alteration and/or metamorphism | |
| 32 : Ba/Mn/Pb/Zn deposits, including metamorphic deposits | |
| Stage 7: Great Oxidation Event | <2.4 |
| 47a : [Near-surface hydration of prior minerals] | |
| 47d : [Arsenates, antimonates, selenates, bismuthinates] |
Type Occurrence of Tsumcorite
General Appearance of Type Material:
Radiating fibrous crusts.
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
n.d.
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
Synonyms of Tsumcorite
Other Language Names for Tsumcorite
Relationship of Tsumcorite to other Species
Member of:
Other Members of Tsumcorite Group:
| Alumolukrahnite | Ca[CuAl](AsO4)2(H2O,OH)2 | Tric. 1 : P1 |
| Cabalzarite | CaMg2(AsO4)2 · 2H2O | Mon. 2/m : B2/m |
| Cobaltlotharmeyerite | CaCo2(AsO4)2 · 2H2O | Mon. 2/m : B2/m |
| Cobalttsumcorite | PbCo2(AsO4)2 · 2H2O | Mon. 2/m : B2/m |
| Ferrilotharmeyerite | CaZnFe3+(AsO4)2(OH) · H2O | Mon. 2/m : B2/m |
| Gartrellite | PbCuFe3+(AsO4)2(OH) · H2O | Tric. 1 : P1 |
| Helmutwinklerite | PbZn2(AsO4)2 · 2H2O | Tric. 1 : P1 |
| Kaliochalcite | KCu2(SO4)2[(OH)(H2O)] | Mon. 2/m : B2/m |
| Krettnichite | PbMn3+2(VO4)2(OH)2 | Mon. 2/m : B2/m |
| Lotharmeyerite | CaZn2(AsO4)2 · 2H2O | Mon. 2/m : B2/m |
| Lukrahnite | CaCuFe3+(AsO4)2(OH,H2O)2 | Tric. 1 : P1 |
| Manganlotharmeyerite | CaMn3+2(AsO4)2(OH)2 | Mon. 2/m : B2/m |
| Mawbyite | PbFe3+2(AsO4)2(OH)2 | Mon. 2/m : B2/m |
| Mounanaite | PbFe3+2(VO4)2(OH)2 | Mon. 2/m : B2/m |
| Natrochalcite | NaCu2(SO4)2(OH) · 2H2O | Mon. 2/m : B2/m |
| Nickellotharmeyerite | CaNi2(AsO4)2 · 2H2O | Mon. 2/m : B2/m |
| Nickelschneebergite | BiNi2(AsO4)2(OH) · H2O | Mon. 2/m : B2/m |
| Nickeltsumcorite | Pb(Ni,Fe3+)2(AsO4)2(H2O,OH)2 | Mon. 2/m : B2/m |
| Phosphogartrellite | PbCuFe3+(PO4)2(OH,H2O)2 | Tric. 1 : P1 |
| Rappoldite | PbCo2(AsO4)2 · 2H2O | Tric. 1 : P1 |
| Schneebergite | BiCo2(AsO4)2(OH) · H2O | Mon. 2/m : B2/m |
| Thometzekite | PbCu2+2(AsO4)2 · 2H2O | Mon. 2/m : B2/m |
| Yancowinnaite | PbCuAl(AsO4)2OH · H2O | Tric. 1 : P1 |
| Zincgartrellite | PbZn2(AsO4)2(H2O,OH)2 | Tric. 1 : P1 |
Common Associates
Associations Based on Photo Data:
| 28 photos of Tsumcorite associated with Quartz | SiO2 |
| 24 photos of Tsumcorite associated with Duftite | PbCu(AsO4)(OH) |
| 20 photos of Tsumcorite associated with Mimetite | Pb5(AsO4)3Cl |
| 14 photos of Tsumcorite associated with Smithsonite | ZnCO3 |
| 14 photos of Tsumcorite associated with Zincolivenite | CuZn(AsO4)(OH) |
| 14 photos of Tsumcorite associated with Adamite | Zn2(AsO4)(OH) |
| 11 photos of Tsumcorite associated with Wulfenite | Pb(MoO4) |
| 9 photos of Tsumcorite associated with Tennantite Subgroup | Cu6(Cu4C2+2)As4S12S |
| 8 photos of Tsumcorite associated with Jamesite | Pb2Zn(Fe2+,Zn)2Fe3+4(AsO4)4(OH)10 |
| 8 photos of Tsumcorite associated with Dolomite | CaMg(CO3)2 |
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 | 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 | Pottsite | (Pb3xBi4-2x)(VO4)4 · H2O (0.8 < x < 1.0) |
| 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
Notes:
Dissolves in HCl
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 Tsumcorite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-4039.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 Tsumcorite
Reference List:
Walenta, K., Wimmenauer, W. (1961) Der Mineralbestand des Michaelganges im Weiler bei Lahr (Schwarzwald). Jahreshefte des Geologischen Landesamts Baden-Württemberg: 4: 7-37 (in German).[as unnamed Pb-Zn-arsenate]
Tillmanns, E., Gebert, W. (1973) The crystal structure of tsumcorite, a new mineral from the Tsumeb mine, S. W. Africa. Acta Crystallographica Section B Structural Crystallography and Crystal Chemistry, 29 (12) 2789-2794 doi:10.1107/s0567740873007545
Krause, Werner, Belendorff, Klaus, Bernhardt, Heinz-Jürgen, Mccammon, Catherine, Effenberger, Herta, Mikenda, Werner (1998) Crystal chemistry of the tsumcorite-group minerals. New data on ferrilotharmeyerite, tsumcorite, thometzekite, mounanaite, helmutwinklerite, and a redefinition of gartrellite. European Journal of Mineralogy, 10 (2). 179-206 doi:10.1127/ejm/10/2/0179
Jambor, John L., Grew, Edward S., Roberts, Andrew C. (1998) New mineral names. American Mineralogist, 83 (11) 1347-1352
Frost, Ray L., Kloprogge, J. Theo, Martens, Wayde N. (2004) Raman spectroscopy of the arsenates and sulphates of the tsumcorite mineral group. Journal of Raman Spectroscopy, 35 (1). 28-35 doi:10.1002/jrs.1076
Localities for Tsumcorite
Showing 41 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.
Australia | |
| Birch et al. (1997) |
| Day (1998) | |
| Elliott et al. (1988) +1 other reference |
| Nickel et al. (1993) |
| Nickel et al. (1993) | |
Europe | |
| Minceva-Stefanova (2001) | |
France | |
| Favreau et al. (2003) |
| Favreau et al. (2010) |
| Favreau et al. (2014) +1 other reference |
| Favreau et al. (2024) | |
Germany | |
| Blaß et al. (2000) +1 other reference |
| 58. +2 other references |
| Walenta et al. (1961) +2 other references |
| Weiß (1990) |
| Der Aufschluss 2000 (2) +1 other reference |
| Wittern (2001) |
| Wittern (2001) |
| Martin et al. (1994) |
| Martin et al. (1992) |
Greece | |
| Ko Jansen |
| Branko Rieck collection | |
| |
| Rieck (1999) | |
| Schnorrer et al. (1999) | |
| Rieck (n.d.) |
Hungary | |
| collector: Bence Bódy |
Mexico | |
| |
Morocco | |
| Favreau (2026) |
Namibia (TL) | |
| Walenta et al. (1961) +4 other references |
| several collections (mislabeled descloizite, see http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,7,304581,304581#msg-304581) +1 other reference |
Spain | |
| Schnorrer (2000) |
USA | |
| List provided by Paul Adams at SCMS ... +1 other reference |
| Joe Marty collection (Tony Kampf analysis) |
| Smith et al. (2000) |
| Rocks & Min.: 60:111. | |
| Thorne (n.d.) |
| Collected by John Dagenais |
| Marty et al. (1993) |
| EDS and XRD analyzed by Quentin ... |
| Excalibur Mineral Company specimen |
| Thorne (n.d.) |
Quick NavTopAbout TsumcoriteUnique IdentifiersIMA Classification Classification Mineral SymbolsPronunciation Physical Properties Optical Data Chemistry Crystallography Crystal StructureX-Ray Powder DiffractionGeological EnvironmentType Occurrence SynonymsOther LanguagesRelationshipsCommon AssociatesStrunz-MindatOther InformationInternet Links References Localities Locality List
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia