Mindat Logo
Home Page Log In Message Board The Mindat Directory
Register Search Pages Mineral Chatroom The Mindat Store

Gaitite

This page is currently not sponsored. Click here to sponsor this page.
Big Photo

Twin Creeks Mine, Potosi District, Humboldt Co., Nevada, USA
© 2007, JGW

Show Gaitite Photos (2)



Formula:
Ca
 
2
Zn(AsO
 
4
)
 
2
 · 2H
 
2
O
System:TriclinicHardness:5
Member of:Fairfieldite Group


Fairfieldite Group. Gaitite-Talmessite Series.

Classification of Gaitite

IMA status:Approved 1978
Strunz 8th edition ID:7/C.17-60
Nickel-Strunz 10th (pending) edition ID:8.CG.05

8 : PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, VANADATES
C : Phosphates without additional anions, with H2O
G : With large and medium-sized cations, RO4:H2O = 1:1
Dana 8th edition ID:40.2.2.6

40 : HYDRATED NORMAL PHOSPHATES,ARSENATES AND VANADATES
2 : AB2(XO4)2·xH2O
Hey's CIM Ref.:20.3.11

20 : Arsenates (also arsenates with phosphate, but without other anions)
3 : Arsenates of Zn, Cd or Hg
mindat.org URL:http://www.mindat.org/min-1636.html
Please feel free to link to this page.

Type Occurrence of Gaitite

Type Locality:Tsumeb Mine (Tsumcorp Mine), Tsumeb, Otjikoto (Oshikoto) Region, Namibia
Year of Discovery:1980

Physical Properties of Gaitite

Hardness (Mohs):5

Crystallography of Gaitite

Crystal System:Triclinic
Cell Parameters:a = 5.9Å, b = 7.61Å, c = 5.57Å
α = 111.67°, β = 70.83°, γ = 119.42°
Ratio:a:b:c = 0.775 : 1 : 0.732
Unit Cell Volume:V 199.08 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)

Optical Data of Gaitite

Type:Biaxial (+)
RI values: nα = 1.713 nβ = 1.730 nγ = 1.748
2V:Measured: 88° , Calculated: 90°
Maximum Birefringence:δ = 0.035

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

Chemical Properties of Gaitite

Formula:
Ca
 
2
Zn(AsO
 
4
)
 
2
 · 2H
 
2
O
Essential elements:As, Ca, H, O, Zn
All elements listed in formula:As, Ca, H, O, Zn

Relationship of Gaitite to other Species

Series:Forms a series with Talmessite (see here)
Member of:Fairfieldite Group
Other Members of Group:

- +
Cassidyite
Ca
 
2
(Ni
2+
 
,Mg)(PO
 
4
)
 
2
 · 2H
 
2
O
Collinsite
Ca
 
2
(Mg,Fe
2+
 
)(PO
 
4
)
 
2
 · 2H
 
2
O
Fairfieldite
Ca
 
2
(Mn
2+
 
,Fe
2+
 
)(PO
 
4
)
 
2
 · 2H
 
2
O
Messelite
Ca
 
2
(Fe
2+
 
,Mn
2+
 
)(PO
 
4
)
 
2
 · 2H
 
2
O
Nickeltalmessite
Ca
 
2
Ni(AsO
 
4
)
 
2
 · 2H
 
2
O
Parabrandtite
Ca
 
2
Mn
2+
 
(AsO
 
4
)
 
2
 · 2H
 
2
O
Talmessite
Ca
 
2
Mg(AsO
 
4
)
 
2
 · 2H
 
2
O
β-Roselite
Ca
 
2
(Co
2+
 
,Mg)(AsO
 
4
)
 
2
 · 2H
 
2
O
Related Minerals - Nickel-Strunz Grouping):

- +
8.CG.05Cassidyite
Ca
 
2
(Ni
2+
 
,Mg)(PO
 
4
)
 
2
 · 2H
 
2
O
8.CG.05Collinsite
Ca
 
2
(Mg,Fe
2+
 
)(PO
 
4
)
 
2
 · 2H
 
2
O
8.CG.05Fairfieldite
Ca
 
2
(Mn
2+
 
,Fe
2+
 
)(PO
 
4
)
 
2
 · 2H
 
2
O
8.CG.05Messelite
Ca
 
2
(Fe
2+
 
,Mn
2+
 
)(PO
 
4
)
 
2
 · 2H
 
2
O
8.CG.05Parabrandtite
Ca
 
2
Mn
2+
 
(AsO
 
4
)
 
2
 · 2H
 
2
O
8.CG.05Talmessite
Ca
 
2
Mg(AsO
 
4
)
 
2
 · 2H
 
2
O
8.CG.05β-Uranophane
Ca(UO
 
2
)
 
2
(HSiO
 
4
)
 
2
 · 5H
 
2
O
8.CG.05Hillite
Ca
 
2
(Zn,Mg)(PO
 
4
)
 
2
 · 2 H
 
2
O
8.CG.10Brandtite
Ca
 
2
(Mn
2+
 
,Mg)(AsO
 
4
)
 
2
 · 2H
 
2
O
8.CG.10Roselite
Ca
 
2
(Co
2+
 
,Mg)(AsO
 
4
)
 
2
 · 2H
 
2
O
8.CG.10Wendwilsonite
Ca
 
2
(Mg,Co
2+
 
)(AsO
 
4
)
 
2
 · 2H
 
2
O
8.CG.10Zincroselite
Ca
 
2
Zn(AsO
 
4
)
 
2
 · 2H
 
2
O
8.CG.10Rruffite
Ca
 
2
Cu(AsO
 
4
)
 
2
 · 2H
 
2
O
8.CG.15Ferrilotharmeyerite
Ca(Fe
3+
 
,Zn)
 
2
(AsO
 
4
)
 
2
 · 2(OH,H
 
2
O)
8.CG.15Lotharmeyerite
Ca(Zn,Mn
3+
 
)
 
2
(AsO
 
4
)
 
2
 · 2(H
 
2
O,OH)
8.CG.15Mawbyite
Pb(Fe
3+
 
,Zn)
 
2
(AsO
 
4
)
 
2
 · 2(OH,H
 
2
O)
8.CG.15Mounanaite
PbFe
3+
2
(VO
 
4
)
 
2
 · 2(OH,F)
8.CG.15Thometzekite
Pb(Cu,Zn)
 
2
(AsO
 
4
,SO
 
4
)
 
2
 · 2(H
 
2
O,OH)
8.CG.15Tsumcorite
Pb(Zn,Fe
3+
 
)
 
2
(AsO
 
4
)
 
2
 · 2(H
 
2
O,OH)
8.CG.15Cobaltlotharmeyerite
Ca(Co,Fe
3+
 
,Ni)
 
2
(AsO
 
4
)
 
2
 · 2(H
 
2
O,OH)
8.CG.15Cabalzarite
Ca(Mg,Al,Fe
3+
 
)
 
2
(AsO
 
4
)
 
2
 · 2(OH,H
 
2
O)
8.CG.15Krettnichite
(Pb,Sr)(Mn
3+
 
,Co)
 
2
(VO
 
4
)
 
2
 · 2(OH,H
 
2
O)
8.CG.15Cobalttsumcorite
Pb(Co,Fe
3+
 
,Ni)
 
2
(AsO
 
4
)
 
2
 · 2(H
 
2
O,OH)
8.CG.15Nickellotharmeyerite
Ca(Ni,Fe
3+
 
,Co)
 
2
(AsO
 
4
)
 
2
 · 2(H
 
2
O,OH)
8.CG.15Manganlotharmeyerite
Ca(Mn
3+
 
,Zn)
 
2
(AsO
 
4
)
 
2
 · 2(OH,H
 
2
O)
8.CG.15Schneebergite
(Bi
3+
 
,Ca)(Co,Ni,Fe
3+
 
)
 
2
(AsO
 
4
)
 
2
 · 2(OH,H
 
2
O)
8.CG.15Nickelschneebergite
(Bi
3+
 
,Ca)(Ni,Co,Fe
3+
 
)
 
2
(AsO
 
4
)
 
2
 · 2(OH,H
 
2
O)
8.CG.20Gartrellite
Pb(Cu,Fe
3+
 
,Zn)
 
2
(AsO
 
4
,SO
 
4
)
 
2
 · 2(H
 
2
O,OH)
8.CG.20Helmutwinklerite
Pb(Zn,Cu)
 
2
(AsO
 
4
)
 
2
 · 2H
 
2
O
8.CG.20Zincgartrellite
Pb(Zn,Fe
3+
 
,Cu)
 
2
(AsO
 
4
)
 
2
 · 2(H
 
2
O,OH)
8.CG.20Rappoldite
Pb(Co,Ni,Zn)
 
2
(AsO
 
4
)
 
2
 · 2H
 
2
O
8.CG.20Phosphogartrellite
Pb(Cu,Fe
3+
 
)
 
2
(PO
 
4
,AsO
 
4
)
 
2
 · 2(H
 
2
O,OH)
8.CG.20Lukrahnite
Ca(Cu,Zn)(Fe
3+
 
,Zn)(AsO
 
4
)
 
2
 · 2(H
 
2
O,OH)
8.CG.25Pottsite
HPbBi(VO
 
4
)
 
2
 · 2H
 
2
O
8.CG.35Nickeltalmessite
Ca
 
2
Ni(AsO
 
4
)
 
2
 · 2H
 
2
O
Related Minerals - Hey's Index Grouping:

- +
20.3.1Adamite
Zn
 
2
(AsO
 
4
)(OH)
20.3.2Paradamite
Zn
 
2
(AsO
 
4
)(OH)
20.3.3Koritnigite
Zn(HAsO
 
4
) · H
 
2
O
20.3.4Legrandite
Zn
 
2
(AsO
 
4
)(OH) · H
 
2
O
20.3.5Warikahnite
Zn
 
3
(AsO
 
4
)
 
2
 · 2H
 
2
O
20.3.6Köttigite
Zn
 
3
(AsO
 
4
)
 
2
 · 8H
 
2
O
20.3.7Stranskiite
Zn
 
2
Cu(AsO
 
4
)
 
2
20.3.8Philipsburgite
(Cu,Zn)
 
6
(AsO
 
4
,PO
 
4
)
 
2
(OH)
 
6
 · H
 
2
O
20.3.9Austinite
CaZn(AsO
 
4
)(OH)
20.3.10Prosperite
CaZn
 
2
(AsO
 
4
)(HAsO
 
4
)(OH)
20.3.12Zincroselite
Ca
 
2
Zn(AsO
 
4
)
 
2
 · 2H
 
2
O
20.3.13O'Danielite
Na(Zn,Mg)
 
3
H
 
2
(AsO
 
4
)
 
3
20.3.14Johillerite
Na(Mg,Zn)
 
3
Cu(AsO
 
4
)
 
3
20.3.15Holdenite
(Mn
2+
 
,Mg)
 
6
Zn
 
3
(AsO
 
4
)
 
2
(SiO
 
4
)(OH)
 
8
20.3.16Chudobaite
(Mg,Zn)
 
5
(AsO
 
4
)
 
2
(HAsO
 
4
)
 
2
 · 10H
 
2
O
20.3.17Chlorophoenicite
(Mn,Mg)
 
3
Zn
 
2
(AsO
 
4
)(OH,O)
 
6
20.3.18Lotharmeyerite
Ca(Zn,Mn
3+
 
)
 
2
(AsO
 
4
)
 
2
 · 2(H
 
2
O,OH)
20.3.19Metaköttigite
(Zn,Fe,Fe)
 
3
(AsO
 
4
)
 
2
 · 8(H
 
2
O,OH)
20.3.20Ojuelaite
ZnFe
3+
2
(AsO
 
4
)
 
2
(OH)
 
2
 · 4H
 
2
O
20.3.21Fahleite
Zn
 
5
CaFe
 
2
(AsO
 
4
)
 
6
 · 14H
 
2
O
20.3.22Keyite
Cu
2+
3
Zn
 
4
Cd
 
2
(AsO
 
4
)
 
6
 · 2H
 
2
O

Other Names for Gaitite

Synonyms:
IMA1978-047
Other Languages:
German:Gaitit
Russian:Гаитит
Spanish:Gaitita

Other Information

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 Gaitite

Reference List:

- +
Sturman, B. D. & Dunn, P. J. (1980): Gaitite, H2Ca2Zn(AsO4)2(OH)2, a new mineral from Tsumeb, Namibia (South West Africa). Canadian Mineralogist: 18: 197-200.

American Mineralogist: 66: 1274.

Internet Links for Gaitite

Search Engines:
  • Look for Gaitite on Google
  • Look for Gaitite images on Google
    • External Links:
  • Look for Gaitite on Webmineral
  • Look for Gaitite on Athena Mineralogy
  • Look for Gaitite on Mineralien Atlas
  • Raman and XRD data at RRUFF project
  • American Mineralogist Crystal Structure Database
  • Gaitite details from Handbook of Mineralogy (PDF)
    • Mineral Dealers:
  • Visit the Pueblo Gem and Mineral show, Tucson 2012
  • Buy from David K Joyce minerals
  • Rare and Unusual minerals at Mineralogical Research Company
  • Pricedownminerals.com - Reverse Auctions and Shop
  • Fabre Minerals - search for Gaitite specimens
  • High-end worldwide specimens & outstanding customer service
  • webminerals
  • By minerals from YourMineralCollection
  • Buy fine minerals and gemstones from Pala International
  • Fine Minerals from Weinrich Minerals, Inc.
  • Edwards Minerals - Fine Specimens
  • Search for minerals at Heliodor
    • Jobs:
  • Mining & Geology Jobs

    • Localities for Gaitite

    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.
    Germany
     
    • Rhineland-Palatinate
      • Lahn valley
        • Bad Ems District
          • Frücht
    		Schnorrer, G., (1993): Mineralogische Notitzen VI, Der Aufschluss, Vol. 44, 44-58
    Greece
     
    • Attikí (Attica; Attika) Prefecture
      • Lavrion (Laurion; Laurium) District
        • Lavrion District Mines
          • Agios Konstantinos [St Constantine] (Kamariza)
            • Kamariza Mines (Kamareza Mines)
    		No reference listed
    Lapis No.7/8 1999 p.70-74
    Namibia
     
    • Otjikoto (Oshikoto) Region
      • Tsumeb
    		Can.Min.(1980) 18, 197-200
    USA
     
    • Nevada
      • Humboldt Co.
        • Potosi District
    		NBMG Spec. Pub. 31 Minerals of Nevada
    Min News (1999) 15:6 pp 1,5-8
    Mineral and/or Locality
    Search Google
     
    Copyright © Jolyon Ralph and Ida Chau 1993-2011. Site Map. Locality, mineral & photograph data are the copyright of the individuals who submitted them. Further information contact the Site hosted & developed by Jolyon Ralph. Mindat.org is an online information resource dedicated to providing free mineralogical information to all. Mindat relies on the contributions of hundreds of members and supporters. Mindat does not offer minerals for sale. If you would like to add information to improve the quality of our database, then click here to register.
    Current server date and time: 8th Aug 2011 19:14:20
    Mineral and Locality Search
    Mineral:
    and/or Locality:
    Options
    Fade toolbar when not in focusFix toolbar to bottom of page
    Hide Social Media Links
    Slideshow frame delay seconds