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Tungstite
A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered
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About Tungstite
Formula:
WO3 · H2O
Colour:
Yellow, yellow-green, golden-yellow; yellow in transmitted light
Lustre:
Resinous, Pearly
Hardness:
2½
Specific Gravity:
5.517
Crystal System:
Orthorhombic
Name:
The name reflects its tungsten content.
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
4054
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:4054:5
Similar Names
| Native Tungsten | A valid IMA mineral species | W |
| Tungstenite | A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered | WS2 |
| Tungstibite | A valid IMA mineral species | Sb23+WO6 |
| Tungstite (of Delamëtherie) | A synonym of Scheelite | |
| Tungusite | A valid IMA mineral species | Ca4Fe2Si6O15(OH)6 |
IMA Classification of Tungstite
Approved, 'Grandfathered' (first described prior to 1959)
IMA Formula:
W6+O3·H2O
Classification of Tungstite
4.FJ.10
4 : OXIDES (Hydroxides, V[5,6] vanadates, arsenites, antimonites, bismuthites, sulfites, selenites, tellurites, iodates)
F : Hydroxides (without V or U)
J : Hydroxides with H2O +- (OH); corner-sharing octahedra
4 : OXIDES (Hydroxides, V[5,6] vanadates, arsenites, antimonites, bismuthites, sulfites, selenites, tellurites, iodates)
F : Hydroxides (without V or U)
J : Hydroxides with H2O +- (OH); corner-sharing octahedra
4.5.2.1
4 : SIMPLE OXIDES
5 : AX3
4 : SIMPLE OXIDES
5 : AX3
7.15.5
7 : Oxides and Hydroxides
15 : Oxides of Mo and W
7 : Oxides and Hydroxides
15 : Oxides of Mo and W
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Tgs | 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 Tungstite
Pronunciation:
| Play | Recorded by | Country |
|---|---|---|
| Jolyon Ralph | United Kingdom |
Physical Properties of Tungstite
Resinous, Pearly
Transparency:
Transparent
Comment:
pearly on cleavages.
Colour:
Yellow, yellow-green, golden-yellow; yellow in transmitted light
Hardness:
2½ on Mohs scale
Cleavage:
Perfect
{001} perfect; {110} imperfect
{001} perfect; {110} imperfect
Density:
5.517 g/cm3 (Measured) 5.78 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Tungstite
Type:
Biaxial (-)
RI values:
nα = 2.09(2) nβ = 2.24(2) nγ = 2.26(2)
2V:
Measured: 26° to 27°
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.170
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:
r < v extreme
Pleochroism:
Visible
Comments:
X = colorless; Y = Z = deep yellow.
Chemistry of Tungstite
Mindat Formula:
WO3 · H2O
Elements listed:
Crystallography of Tungstite
Crystal System:
Orthorhombic
Class (H-M):
mmm(2/m2/m2/m) - Dipyramidal
Cell Parameters:
a = 5.249(2) Å, b = 10.711(5) Å, c = 5.133(2) Å
Ratio:
a:b:c = 0.49 : 1 : 0.479
Unit Cell V:
288.59 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
4
Morphology:
Massive, powdery to earthy and as microscopic platy crystals.
Comment:
Space Group: Pmnb.
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) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0005199 | Tungstite | Szymanski J T, Roberts A C (1984) The crystal structure of tungstite, WO3.H2O The Canadian Mineralogist 22 681-688 |  | 1984 | 0 | 293 |
CIF Raw Data - click here to close
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 5.36 Å | (80) |
| 3.463 Å | (100) |
| 2.616 Å | (40) |
| 2.556 Å | (50) |
| 1.851 Å | (40) |
| 1.731 Å | (45) |
| 1.634 Å | (40) |
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| Stage 7: Great Oxidation Event | <2.4 |
| 47a : [Near-surface hydration of prior minerals] |
Type Occurrence of Tungstite
Synonyms of Tungstite
Other Language Names for Tungstite
Common Associates
Associations Based on Photo Data:
| 25 photos of Tungstite associated with Ferberite | FeWO4 |
| 19 photos of Tungstite associated with Hydrotungstite | WO3 · 2H2O |
| 13 photos of Tungstite associated with Quartz | SiO2 |
| 6 photos of Tungstite associated with Hübnerite | MnWO4 |
| 3 photos of Tungstite associated with Scheelite | Ca(WO4) |
| 3 photos of Tungstite associated with Hydrokenoelsmoreite | ◻2W2O6(H2O) |
| 3 photos of Tungstite associated with Pharmacosiderite | KFe3+4(AsO4)3(OH)4 · 6-7H2O |
| 2 photos of Tungstite associated with Stolzite | Pb(WO4) |
| 2 photos of Tungstite associated with Wolframite Group | |
| 2 photos of Tungstite associated with Scorodite | Fe3+AsO4 · 2H2O |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 4.FJ. | Raydemarkite | MoO3 · H2O |
| 4.FJ.05 | Sidwillite | MoO3 · 2H2O |
| 4.FJ.05 | Meymacite | WO3 · 2H2O |
| 4.FJ.15 | Hydrotungstite | WO3 · 2H2O |
| 4.FJ.15 | Ilsemannite | Mo3O8 · nH2O |
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 Tungstite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-4054.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 Tungstite
Localities for Tungstite
Showing 159 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 | |
| Collection of Juan Carlos Lodovichi |
| Raúl Jorge Tauber Larry +1 other reference | |
| Raúl Jorge Tauber Larry |
Australia | |
| Sky Metals (2026) |
| Dieter Mylius collection - fluorite ... |
| Ryan (1961) |
| Ryan (1961) | |
| Munro-Smith (2006) |
| Wheeler (2017) |
| www.crocoite.com (2002) |
| Bottrill +1 other reference |
Bolivia | |
| Petrov (n.d.) |
| Collection of Dr. Jaroslav Hyrsl. | |
| RAMAN confirmation by Joy Desor |
| Econ Geol (1988) +2 other references |
| - (1998) |
| Salomon Rivas and Federico Ahlfeld (1998) |
| Carl Davis collection |
| Federico Ahlfeld y Jorge Muñoz Reyes (1955) |
| |
| Kerr et al. (1944) |
| Wilson (2001) |
| Smith et al. (2001) | |
| Petrov et al. (2006) |
| Wilson (2001) |
Bulgaria | |
| Tarassov et al. (2018) |
| Marcus Vau Collection +1 other reference |
Canada | |
| Peatfield (n.d.) |
| Peatfield (n.d.) |
| Peatfield (n.d.) |
| Dana 7:I:606. |
| Montgomery (n.d.) |
| Montgomery (n.d.) | |
| Nova Scotia Mineral Occurrence Database |
| Nova Scotia Museum of Natural History ... |
| Nova Scotia Mineral Occurrence Database |
China | |
| Jiajing Zhang et al. (2008) |
| Duifu Liu and Yufeng Chen (2005) |
| Chunlian Xiao (2008) |
| Qian Wang et al. (2002) |
| Yirang Chen (1981) |
| Weixiang Zeng (1990) |
| Jianyan Li (1989) |
| Zhiping Li (1998) |
| Yingchen Ren et al. (1986) |
| Shaofeng Wang (1991) |
| Shigui Zhang (1977) |
| Chenghua Zhang and Guodong Ji (1983) |
| Peters (2002) |
| Liangsheng Ge et al. (2006) +1 other reference |
| Shufeng Huang et al. (2011) |
| Chengyou Feng et al. (2013) |
| Huliang Xiao et al. (2003) |
| Bugao Xue (2003) |
Czech Republic | |
| Breiter K. et al.: Mineralizace cínu |
Europe | |
| Quellmalz (1992) +1 other reference |
France | |
| Queneau (n.d.) |
| Robin Fialip 2014 |
| Chollet Pascal collection - gift from ... |
| Pillard F. et al. (1985) |
| Chauris (2014) |
| Boisson (1988) |
| Queneau (n.d.) |
| La minéralogie. Béryl Limousin +1 other reference | |
| Queneau (n.d.) +2 other references |
| Queneau (n.d.) +1 other reference |
Germany | |
| |
| Wittern (2001) |
Italy | |
| Piccoli et al. (2007) |
| Piccoli et al. (2007) |
| Stara et al. (1996) |
Japan | |
| Masutomi Museum specimens |
| Uehara et al. (2014) |
Kazakhstan | |
| Zimanovskaya et al. (2022) |
| Pavel M. Kartashov (n.d.) |
| Laznicka (2010) |
| Evseev (1995) | |
Madagascar | |
| Behier (1963) |
Mauritania | |
| Marsh et al. (2015) |
Mexico | |
| Panczner (1987) |
| Trafford and Flynn Minerals |
| Panczner (1987) |
Namibia | |
| Jahn et al. (2006) +1 other reference |
| Niedermayr (2001) |
New Zealand | |
| Museum Victoria Collection Ref. No. ... |
| Rod Martin Collection - probable source ... | |
| Pirajno et al. (1985) |
Peru | |
| collections of Rock Currier +1 other reference |
Portugal | |
| Alexandre Pedroso collection May 2014 |
| Bussink (1984) | |
| Nuno Afonso collection |
| Bull. Minéral. |
| |
| Erik Vercammen collection and field observations (1992) |
| Identified in Rebentão Mine |
| |
|
Ferimolybditová vein, Ochtiná, Rožňava District, Košice Region, Slovakia