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Cuprotungstite

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Clara Mine, Rankach valley, Oberwolfach, Wolfach, Black Forest, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
© Stephan Wolfsried

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Formula:
Cu
 
2
(WO
 
4
)(OH)
 
2
System:TetragonalColour:Emerald green, brown, ...
Hardness:4 - 5
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.

Classification of Cuprotungstite

IMA status:Valid - first described prior to 1959 (pre-IMA) - "Grandfathered"
Explanation of status:Valid, but formula still somewhat uncertain (crystal structure not solved yet); alternate formula: Cu3(WO4)2(OH)2.
Strunz 8th edition ID:6/G.02-20
Nickel-Strunz 10th (pending) edition ID:7.GB.15

7 : SULFATES (selenates, tellurates, chromates, molybdates, wolframates)
G : Molybdates, Wolframates and Niobates
B : With additional anions and/or H2O
Dana 8th edition ID:48.3.2.1

48 : ANHYDROUS MOLYBDATES AND TUNGSTATES
3 : Basic Anhydrous Molybdates and Tungstates
Hey's CIM Ref.:27.4.1

27 : Sulphites, Chromates, Molybdates and Tungstates
4 : Tungstates
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Type Occurrence of Cuprotungstite

Type Locality:La Paz, Mun. de La Paz, Baja California Sur (BC Sur), Mexico
Place of Conservation of Type Material:Natural History Museum, Paris, France: #69.47.
Year of Discovery:1869

Physical Properties of Cuprotungstite

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

Crystallography of Cuprotungstite

Crystal System:Tetragonal
Class (H-M):4 2 2 - Trapezohedral
Space Group:P41 21 2
Cell Parameters:a = 8.93Å, c = 14.48Å
Ratio:a:c = 1 : 1.622
Unit Cell Volume: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.

Optical Data of Cuprotungstite

Type:Uniaxial (-)
RI values: nω = 2.180 nε = 2.100
Maximum Birefringence:δ = 0.080

Chart shows birefringence interference colour range (at 30µm thickness) and does not take into account mineral colouration.
Surface Relief:Very High

Chemical Properties of Cuprotungstite

Formula:
Cu
 
2
(WO
 
4
)(OH)
 
2
Essential elements:Cu, H, O, W
All elements listed in formula:Cu, H, O, W

Relationship of Cuprotungstite to other Species

Common Associates:
StolziteScheeliteRaspite
Related Minerals - Nickel-Strunz Grouping):

- +
7.GB.05Lindgrenite
Cu
 
3
(MoO
 
4
)
 
2
(OH)
 
2
7.GB.10Szenicsite
Cu
 
3
(MoO
 
4
)(OH)
 
4
7.GB.15UM1999-38-WO:CrV
(V, Cr, W, O, H) [V:Cr:W ratio about 2:1:3]
7.GB.20Phyllotungstite
(H
 
2
O,M)
 
x
(W,Fe)(O,OH)
 
3
 · yH
 
2
O (M = Ca, Cs, Pb or K)
7.GB.25Rankachite
Ca
 
0.5
(V
4+
 
,V
5+
 
)(W
6+
 
,Fe
3+
 
)
 
2
O
 
8
(OH) · 2H
 
2
O
7.GB.30Ferrimolybdite
Fe
 
2
(MoO
 
4
)
 
3
 · nH
 
2
O
7.GB.35Anthoinite
AlWO
 
3
(OH)
 
3
7.GB.35Mpororoite
WAlO
 
3
(OH)
 
3
 · 2(H
 
2
O)
7.GB.40Obradovicite-KCu
[K
 
2
(H
 
2
O)
 
17
Cu(H
 
2
O)
 
6
][Mo
 
8
As
 
2
Fe
3+
3
O
 
34
(OH)
 
3
]
7.GB.45Mendozavilite-NaFe
[Na
 
2
(H
 
2
O)
 
15
Fe
3+
 
(H
 
2
O)
 
6
][Mo
 
8
P
 
2
Fe
3+
3
O
 
35
(OH)
 
2
]
7.GB.45Paramendozavilite
[KAl
 
4
(H
 
2
O)
 
30
][Mo
 
12
P
 
6
Fe
3+
6
O
 
60
(OH)
 
13
]
7.GB.50Tancaite-(Ce)
FeCe(MoO
 
4
)
 
3
·3H
 
2
O
Related Minerals - Hey's Index Grouping:

- +
27.4.2Scheelite
Ca(WO
 
4
)
27.4.4Anthoinite
AlWO
 
3
(OH)
 
3
27.4.5Mpororoite
WAlO
 
3
(OH)
 
3
 · 2(H
 
2
O)
27.4.6Yttrotungstite-(Y)
YW
 
2
O
 
6
(OH)
 
3
27.4.7Yttrotungstite-(Ce)
(Ce,Nd,Y)W
 
2
O
 
6
(OH)
 
3
27.4.8Stolzite
Pb(WO
 
4
)
27.4.9Raspite
Pb(WO
 
4
)
27.4.10Russellite
Bi
 
2
WO
 
6
27.4.11Pinalite
Pb
 
3
WO
 
5
Cl
 
2
27.4.12Uranotungstite
(Fe
2+
 
,Ba,Pb)(UO
 
2
)
 
2
(WO
 
4
)(OH)
 
4
 · 12H
 
2
O
27.4.13Hübnerite
MnWO
 
4
27.4.14Ferberite
FeWO
 
4
27.4.15Wolframite
(Fe
2+
 
)WO
 
4
 
 
to (Mn
2+
 
)WO
 
4
27.4.16Ferritungstite
27.4.17Phyllotungstite
(H
 
2
O,M)
 
x
(W,Fe)(O,OH)
 
3
 · yH
 
2
O (M = Ca, Cs, Pb or K)
27.4.18Qitianlingite
(Fe,Mn)
 
2
(Nb,Ta)
 
2
WO
 
10

Other Names for Cuprotungstite

Synonyms:
Cuproscheelite
Other Languages:
French:Tungstate de cuivre
German:Cupritungstit
Cuprotungstit
Simplified Chinese:铜白钨矿

Other Information

Other Information:Readily soluble in acids.

Forms more or less complete pseudomorphs after Scheelite.
Health Warning:No information on health risks for this material has been entered into the database. You should always treat mineral specimens with care.

References for Cuprotungstite

Reference List:

- +
Whitney (1866) Proceedings of the California Academy of Science: 3: 287 (as Cuproscheelite).

Adam, M. (1869) Tableau minéralogique, Paris: 32.

Domeyko (1869) Annales des mines: 16: 537 (as Tungstate de cuivre).

Dana, E.S. (1892) System of Mineralogy, 6th. Edition, New York: 988.

Hess (1917) U.S. Geological Survey Bulletin 652: 32.

Larsen, E.S. (1921) The Microscopic Determination of the Nonopaque Minerals, First edition, USGS Bulletin 679: 64.

Hintze, Carl (1929) Handbuch der Mineralogie. Berlin and Leipzig. 6 volumes: 1 [3B]: 4087.

Schaller, W. T. (1932): Chemical composition of cuprotungstite. American Mineralogist: 17: 234-237.

Palache, C., Berman, H., & Frondel, C. (1951), The System of Mineralogy of James Dwight Dana and Edward Salisbury Dana, Yale University 1837-1892, Volume II. John Wiley and Sons, Inc., New York, 7th edition, revised and enlarged, 1124 pp.: 1091-1092.

Doucet, S., Pierrot, R. & Pillard, F. (1969): Synthesis and new data on cuprotungstite. Bull. Soc. Fr. Mineral. Cristallogr.: 92, 497-499. (in French).

Walenta, K. (1979): New data for cuprotungstite. Mineralogical Magazine: 43: 448-450.

Duggan, M.B. (1988) Cuprotungstite from the Cordillera mine, Crookwell, New South Wales. Australian Mineralogist, 3, 61–64.

American Mineralogist (1990): 75: 713.

Internet Links for Cuprotungstite

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  • Raman and XRD data at RRUFF project
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    • Localities for Cuprotungstite

    The map shows a selection of localities that have latitude and longitude coordinates recorded. Click on the symbol to view information about a locality. The symbol next to localities in the list can be used to jump to that position on the map.
    Hide Locality List
    (TL) indicates type locality. ? indicates mineral may be doubtful at this locality. All other localities listed without reference should be considered as uncertain and unproven until references can be found.
    Australia
     
    • New South Wales
      • Georgiana Co.
        • Tuena
          • Kangaloolah
    		M. B. Duggan (1988): Cuprotungstite from the Cordillera mine, Crookwell, New South Wales. Australian Mineralogist 3 (2), 61-64.
      • Yancowinna Co.
    		No reference listed
    • Tasmania
      • Rossarden district
    		Bottrill RS & Baker, WE (in prep) Catalogue of Minerals of Tasmania. Mineral Resources Tasmania
    Chile
     
    • Atacama Region
      • Copiapó Province
        • Cerro Blanco district
    		R.H.Sillitoe/A.H.Clark/A.E.S.Mayer: "Cuproscheelite from the Copiapó Mining district, Northern Chile": AM, Vol 55 july-august 1970
      • Huasco Province
        • Vallenar
    		C. Ruiz Fuller/F. Peebles (1988): "Yacimientos metalíferos de Chile": Fondecyt, Stgo de Chile.
    • Coquimbo Region
      • Choapa Province
        • Salamanca
    		Palache, C., Berman, H., & Frondel, C. (1951), The System of Mineralogy of James Dwight Dana and Edward Salisbury Dana, Yale University 1837-1892, Volume II: 1091.; Kurt Walenta (1979) New Data for Cuprotungstite. Mineralogical Magazine 43:448-450.
      • Elqui Province
        • Chingoles
    		C. Ruiz Fuller/F. Peebles (1988): "Yacimientos metalíferos de Chile": Fondecyt, Stgo de Chile
    Germany
     
    • Baden-Württemberg
      • Black Forest
        • Wolfach
          • Oberwolfach
            • Rankach valley
    		Walenta, K. (1992): Die Mineralien des Schwarzwaldes. Chr. Weise Verlag, München, 336 pp. (in German); Kurt Walenta (1979) New Data for Cuprotungstite. Mineralogical Magazine 43:448-450.
    • Saxony
      • Erzgebirge
        • Clausnitz - Sayda District
          • Clausnitz
    		J. Gröbner und U. Kolitsch (2006): Neufunde aus dem Erzgebirge (II). Mineralien-Welt 17 (3), 22-27.
    Italy
     
    • Piedmont
      • Torino Province
        • Canavese District
          • Léssolo
            • Cálea
    		http://www.webmineralshop.com/articoli/brosso_eng.htm
    Japan
     
    • Honshu Island
      • Chubu region
        • Yamanashi prefecture
          • Kinpuzan district
            • Kofu City
    		Palache, C., Berman, H., & Frondel, C. (1951), The System of Mineralogy of James Dwight Dana and Edward Salisbury Dana, Yale University 1837-1892, Volume II: 1091.
      • Chugoku Region
        • Yamaguchi Prefecture
          • Mine city
    		Alfredo Petrov collection
    Alfredo Petrov collection
    Yamada (2001) Suisyou, 14, 7-11.
    Kazakhstan
     
    • Karagandy Province (Qaragandy Oblysy; Karaganda Oblast')
      • Betpakdala Desert (Bet-Pak-Dal Desert)
    		P.M. Kartashov data
    Mexico
     
    • Baja California Sur (BC Sur)
      • Mun. de La Paz
    		Adam (1869) Tableau minéral: 32; Palache, C., Berman, H., & Frondel, C. (1951), The System of Mineralogy of James Dwight Dana and Edward Salisbury Dana, Yale University 1837-1892, Volume II: 1091.
    • Chihuahua
      • Mun. de Buenaventura
        • San Lorenzo
    		Panczner (1987): 176.
    • Sonora
      • Mun. de Arizpe
        • Arizpe
    		Palache, C., Berman, H., & Frondel, C. (1951), The System of Mineralogy of James Dwight Dana and Edward Salisbury Dana, Yale University 1837-1892, Volume II: 1091.
      • Mun. de Huépac
        • Huépac
    		Panczner (1987): 176.
      • Mun. de Yécora
        • San Nicolás
    		Panczner(1987):336.
    Panczner(1987):176,336.
    Namibia
     
    • Khomas Region
      • Gamsberg Area
        • Natas Farm 220
    		Collection of NHM, Vienna; Kurt Walenta (1979) New Data for Cuprotungstite. Mineralogical Magazine 43:448-450.
    • Kunene Region
      • Khorixas District
        • Mesopotamia Copper Valley
    		Gerhard Niedermayr: Mesopotamia 504 - die Typlokalität des Namibit; Niedermayr, G.(2001): Mesopotamia 504 - die Typlokalität des Namibit. In: S. Jahn, O. Medenbach, G. Niedermayr, G. Schneider: Namibia - Zauberwelt edler Steine und Kristalle (1 Edition, in German), 97-99
    South Africa
     
    • Mpumalanga Province
      • Marble Hall
    		Minerals of South Africa
    • Northern Cape Province
      • Upington
    		Minerals of South Africa
    UK
     
    • England
      • Cornwall
        • Callington District
          • Calstock
            • Gunnislake
              • Clitters United Mines
    		Golley, P., and Williams, R. (1995): Cornish Mineral Reference Manual. Endsleigh Publications (Truro), 104 pp.
        • Camborne - Redruth - St Day District
          • Gwennap
            • St Day United Mines (Poldice Mines)
    		[Golley & Williams, 1995, "Cornish Mineral Reference Manual", p21]
        • St Austell District
          • Treverbyn
            • Stenalees
    		[Golley & Williams, 1995, "Cornish Mineral Reference Manual", p21]
      • Cumbria
        • North and Western Region (Cumberland)
          • Southern Fells
            • Waberthwaite
    		BMS Database
    USA
     
    • Arizona
      • Cochise Co.
        • Little Dragoon Mts
          • Cochise District
    		Keith, Stanton B. (1973), Arizona Bureau of Geology & Mineral Technology, Geol. Sur. Branch Bull. 187, Index of Mining Properties in Cochise Co., AZ: 55 (Table 4); Anthony, J.W., et al (1995), Mineralogy of Arizona, 3rd.ed.: 197; Dale, V.B., et al (1960), Tungsten deposits of Cochise, Pima, and Santa Cruz Cos., AZ, US Bur. of mines Rept. Inv. 5650: 50.
            • Dragoon
    		Wilson, E.D. 91941), AZ Bur. Mines Bull. 148: 44.
      • Maricopa Co.
    		Anthony, J.W., et al (1995), Mineralogy of Arizona, 3rd.ed.: 423; Dale, V.B. (1959), Tungsten deposits of Yuma, Maricopa, Pinal and Graham Cos., AZ, US Bur. Mines Rept. Inv. 5516; Wilson, E.D. (1941), AZ Bur. Mines Bull. 148: 26-27; Hess, F.L. (1917), Tungsten minerals and deposits, USGS Bull. 652: 33, 64..
        • Verde Mts
    		Anthony, J.W., et al (1995), Mineralogy of Arizona, 3rd.ed.: 278; Schaller, W.T. (1932), Chemical composition of cuprotungstite, Am.Min.: 17: 234-237; Galbraith, F.W. & D.J. Brennan (1959), Minerals of AZ: 82; Hess, Frank L. (1917), Tungsten minerals and deposits, USGS Bull. 652: 25 (Plate XVII).; Kurt Walenta (1979) New Data for Cuprotungstite. Mineralogical Magazine 43:448-450.
    Anthony, J.W., et al (1995), Mineralogy of Arizona, 3rd.ed.: 363; Schaller, W.T. (1932),Chemical composition of cuprotungstite, Am.Min. 17:234-237.
      • Mohave Co.
        • Hualapai (Hualpai) Mts
          • Boriana District
            • Boriana Canyon
    		Conway, C.M., et al (1990), USGS Bull. 1737-E: E10; Wilson, E.D. (1941), AZ Bur. of Mines Bull. 148, Tungsten Deps. of AZ: 11-14.
      • Pima Co.
        • Santa Rita Mts
          • Helvetia-Rosemont District
            • Helvetia
    		Galbraith, F.W. & D.J. Brennan (1959), Minerals of AZ: 82.
              • Monument Mountain
    		Collected personally; Cuprotungstite - knowledge among local collectors
      • Yuma Co.
        • Eagle Tail Mts (Cemetary Ridge)
          • Eagle Tail District
    		Anthony, J.W., et al (1995), Mineralogy of Arizona, 3rd.ed.: 197; Galbraith, F.W. & D.J. Brennan (1959), Minerals of AZ: 82.
    • California
      • Inyo Co.
        • Death Valley National Park
          • Panamint Mts (Panamint Range)
            • Ubehebe District
              • Big Dodd Spring
    		McAllister, James Franklin (1955), Geology of mineral deposits in the Ubehebe Peak quadrangle, Inyo County, California. California Division Mines, Special Report 42, 63 pp.: 51, 55; Murdoch, Joseph & Robert W. Webb (1966), Minerals of California, Centennial Volume (1866-1966): California Division Mines & Geology Bulletin 189: 165; Pemberton, H. Earl (1983), Minerals of California; Van Nostrand Reinholt Press: 338.
      • Kern Co.
        • White River area
    		Schaller, Waldemar Theodore (1932), Chemical composition of cuprotungstite: American Mineralogist: 17: 237; Murdoch, Joseph & Robert W. Webb (1966), Minerals of California, Centennial Volume (1866-1966): California Division Mines & Geology Bulletin 189: 165, 329-330; Palache, C., Berman, H., & Frondel, C. (1951), The System of Mineralogy of James Dwight Dana and Edward Salisbury Dana, Yale University 1837-1892, Volume II: 1091.
      • Nevada Co.
        • Last Chance District
          • Spring Creek area
    		Mineralogical Record (In press)
    Mineralogical Record (In press)
      • Riverside Co.
        • Santa Rosa Mts
    		Alfredo Petrov specimen
      • Sierra Co.
    		Pemberton, H. Earl (1983), Minerals of California; Van Nostrand Reinholt Press: 338.
    • Colorado
      • Chaffee Co.
        • Cleora District
    		Minerals of Colorado (1997) Eckels, E. B.
    Minerals of Colorado (1997) Eckels, E. B.
    • Idaho
      • Adams Co.
    		Rocks & Min. 70:244
          • Cuprum
    		[O'Donoghue, 1978 - "Encyclopedia of Minerals & Gemstones", p284]
    Ream, Lanny R. 2004. Idaho Minerals, 2nd edition, Revised and Updated
    • Montana
      • Beaverhead Co.
        • Calvert Hill District
    		Gobla, M.J. (2012) Montana mineral locality index. Rocks & Minerals, 87, #3, 208-240.
    • Nevada
      • Esmeralda Co.
    		NBMG Spec. Pub. 31 Minerals of Nevada
      • Lander Co.
        • Battle Mountain District
    		USGS Bull 2009
      • Mineral Co.
        • Leonard District
    		NBMG Spec. Pub. 31 Minerals of Nevada
    • New Mexico
      • Hidalgo Co.
    		DeMark, R.S. (2004): News from the Apache mine, New Mexico. Mineral News, 20, 8.
    Min News 20:10 p 8
      • Sierra Co.
    		Minerals of New Mexico 3rd ed.
      • Taos Co.
    		Northrop, Minerals of New Mexico, 3rd Rev. Ed., 1996
    A Listing of North Carolina Minerals- Leonard S. Wiener and Sigrid Ballew- 2001
      • Cabarrus Co.
    		Genth,F.A ,1891,The Minerals of North Carolina,pg 90
      • Vance Co.
        • Hamme Tungsten District
          • Tungsten
    		Espenshade,G.H (1947) Tungsten Deposits of Vance County North Carolina, and Mecklenburg County, Virginia;U.S Geological Survey Bulletin 948-A
    • Utah
      • Tooele Co.
        • Deep Creek Mts
          • Gold Hill District (Clifton District)
    		UGMS Bull 117 Minerals and Mineral Localities of Utah
    UGMS Bull 117 Minerals and Mineral Localities of Utah
    UGMS Bull 117 Minerals and Mineral Localities of Utah
    • Virginia
      • Mecklenburg Co.
        • Hamme Tungsten
    		Minerals of Virginia, 1990 by R. V. Dietrich
    Minerals of Virginia, 1990 by R. V. Dietrich
    Minerals of Virginia, 1990 by R. V. Dietrich
    Mineral and/or Locality
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