Sampleite
A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered
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About Sampleite
Formula:
NaCaCu5(PO4)4Cl · 5H2O
Colour:
Light blue, bluish green; blue in transmitted light.
Lustre:
Pearly
Hardness:
4
Specific Gravity:
3.2
Crystal System:
Orthorhombic
Member of:
Name:
Named by Cornelius Hurlbut Jr. in honor of Mr. Matt Sample, Mine Superintendent for the Chile Exploration Company in 1921 (on staff as early as 1915) in Chuquicamata, Chile.
Lavendulan Group. The phosphate analogue of Lavendulan.
A polymorph is known (Giester et al., 2007). Unique combination of elements. Compare UM2007-17-PO:CaClCuHNa.
An uncommon mineral in the oxidized zones of copper deposits in arid climates; also occurs as a rare mineral in caves.
A polymorph is known (Giester et al., 2007). Unique combination of elements. Compare UM2007-17-PO:CaClCuHNa.
An uncommon mineral in the oxidized zones of copper deposits in arid climates; also occurs as a rare mineral in caves.
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
3515
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:3515:2
GUID
(UUID V4):
(UUID V4):
f33c7b06-cb9c-4f7f-8737-27ccdafe72f9
IMA Classification of Sampleite
Approved, 'Grandfathered' (first described prior to 1959)
Classification of Sampleite
8.DG.05
8 : PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, VANADATES
D : Phosphates, etc. with additional anions, with H2O
G : With large and medium-sized cations, (OH, etc.):RO4< 0.5:1
8 : PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, VANADATES
D : Phosphates, etc. with additional anions, with H2O
G : With large and medium-sized cations, (OH, etc.):RO4< 0.5:1
42.9.4.1
42 : HYDRATED PHOSPHATES, ETC.CONTAINING HYDROXYL OR HALOGEN
9 : (AB)7(XO4)4Zq·xH2O
42 : HYDRATED PHOSPHATES, ETC.CONTAINING HYDROXYL OR HALOGEN
9 : (AB)7(XO4)4Zq·xH2O
22.2.1
22 : Phosphates, Arsenates or Vanadates with other Anions
2 : Phosphates, arsenates or vanadates with chloride
22 : Phosphates, Arsenates or Vanadates with other Anions
2 : Phosphates, arsenates or vanadates with chloride
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Smp | 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 Sampleite
Pearly
Transparency:
Transparent
Comment:
Lustre pearly on {010}.
Colour:
Light blue, bluish green; blue in transmitted light.
Streak:
Light blue
Hardness:
4 on Mohs scale
Tenacity:
Brittle
Cleavage:
Perfect
On {010}, perfect; on {100} and {001}, good.
On {010}, perfect; on {100} and {001}, good.
Density:
3.2 g/cm3 (Measured) 3.26 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Sampleite
Type:
Biaxial (-)
RI values:
nα = 1.625 - 1.629 nβ = 1.674 - 1.677 nγ = 1.674 - 1.679
2V:
Measured: 5° to 23°, Calculated: 22°
Birefringence:
0.049
Max Birefringence:
δ = 0.049 - 0.050
Image shows birefringence interference colour range (at 30µm thickness)
and does not take into account mineral colouration.
and does not take into account mineral colouration.
Surface Relief:
High
Dispersion:
r > v
Optical Extinction:
Parallel. X = b, Y = a, Z = c.
Pleochroism:
Visible
Comments:
X = Deep blue, blue-green; Y = Light blue, turquoise-blue; Z = Turquoise-blue, colourless.
Comments:
Absorption: X < Y = Z.
Chemistry of Sampleite
Mindat Formula:
NaCaCu5(PO4)4Cl · 5H2O
Crystallography of Sampleite
Crystal System:
Orthorhombic
Class (H-M):
mmm (2/m 2/m 2/m) - Dipyramidal
Space Group:
Cmmm
Setting:
C2/m 2/m 2/m
Cell Parameters:
a = 9.72 Å, b = 38.48 Å, c = 9.67 Å
β = 90.0°
β = 90.0°
Ratio:
a:b:c = 0.253 : 1 : 0.251
Unit Cell V:
3,616.83 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
8
Morphology:
Thin lath-like, pseudo-orthorhombic plates, flattened on {010}, elongated along [001]; rosettes; commonly aggregated into crusts.
Twinning:
Common.
Comment:
Pseudo-orthorhombic metrics. Old literature gives "orthorhombic" cell with a = 9.7, b = 38.7, c = 9.45 A. The polymorph described by Giester et al. (2007) has space group P21/c, a = 9.695(2), b = 9.673(2), c = 19.739(4) Å, beta = 102.61(3)°, V = 1806.5(6) Å3, Z = 4; a P21/n modification is also known
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
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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) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0007196 | Sampleite | Giester G, Kolitsch U, Leverett P, Turner P, Williams P A (2007) The crystal structures of lavendulan, sampleite, and a new polymorph of sampleite European Journal of Mineralogy 19 75-93 | 2007 | Northparkes mine, Goonumbla, New South Wales, Australia | 0 | 293 | |
| 0007197 | Sampleite | Giester G, Kolitsch U, Leverett P, Turner P, Williams P A (2007) The crystal structures of lavendulan, sampleite, and a new polymorph of sampleite European Journal of Mineralogy 19 75-93 | 2007 | Lake Boga, Victoria, Australia | 0 | 293 |
CIF Raw Data - click here to close
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 9.60 Å | (100) |
| 6.85 Å | (70) |
| 4.30 Å | (80) |
| 3.89 Å | (70) |
| 3.04 Å | (100) |
| 1.79 Å | (70) |
| 1.71 Å | (80) |
| 1.45 Å | (70) |
Comments:
ICDD 11-349
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| Stage 7: Great Oxidation Event | <2.4 |
| 47a : [Near-surface hydration of prior minerals] | |
| 47c : [Carbonates, phosphates, borates, nitrates] | |
| 47g : [Halogen-bearing surface weathering minerals] | |
| Stage 10a: Neoproterozoic oxygenation/terrestrial biosphere | <0.6 |
| 52 : Guano- and urine-derived minerals | <0.4 |
Geological Setting:
Oxidized zones of copper deposits in arid climates; in caves derived from copper sulfides in cave walls and phosphorus from bat guano; miarolytic cavities in granite; in pegmatites.
Type Occurrence of Sampleite
General Appearance of Type Material:
Earthy crusts and crack fillings. Micaceous rosettes and aggregates of small platy crystals in small cracks.
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA: 95023, 95024. National Museum of Natural History, Washington, DC, USA: 137298.
Geological Setting of Type Material:
Highly oxidized ore.
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
Other Language Names for Sampleite
Relationship of Sampleite to other Species
Member of:
Other Members of this group:
| Lavendulan | NaCaCu5(AsO4)4Cl · 5H2O | Mon. 2/m |
| Zdenĕkite | NaPbCu5(AsO4)4Cl · 5H2O | Mon. 2/m : P21/b |
Forms a series with:
Common Associates
Associated Minerals Based on Photo Data:
| 24 photos of Sampleite associated with Atacamite | Cu2(OH)3Cl |
| 7 photos of Sampleite associated with Libethenite | Cu2(PO4)(OH) |
| 6 photos of Sampleite associated with Pseudomalachite | Cu5(PO4)2(OH)4 |
| 4 photos of Sampleite associated with Gypsum | CaSO4 · 2H2O |
| 3 photos of Sampleite associated with Goethite | α-Fe3+O(OH) |
| 3 photos of Sampleite associated with Connellite | Cu19(SO4)(OH)32Cl4 · 3H2O |
| 2 photos of Sampleite associated with Olivenite | Cu2(AsO4)(OH) |
| 1 photo of Sampleite associated with Baryte | BaSO4 |
| 1 photo of Sampleite associated with Apatite | Ca5(PO4)3(Cl/F/OH) |
| 1 photo of Sampleite associated with Quartz | SiO2 |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 8.DG. | Jasonsmithite | Mn2+4ZnAl(PO4)4(OH)(H2O)7 · 3.5H2O |
| 8.DG. | Davidbrownite-(NH4) | (NH4)5(V4+O)2(C2O4)[PO2.75(OH)1.25]4 · 3H2O |
| 8.DG. | Relianceite-(K) | K4Mg(V4+O)2(C2O4)(PO3OH)4(H2O)10 |
| 8.DG. | Pleysteinite | [(H2O)0.5K0.5]2Mn2Al3(PO4)4F2 · 14H2O |
| 8.DG.05 | Lavendulan | NaCaCu5(AsO4)4Cl · 5H2O |
| 8.DG.05 | Shubnikovite | Ca2Cu8(AsO4)6(OH)Cl · 7H2O |
| 8.DG.05 | Zdenĕkite | NaPbCu5(AsO4)4Cl · 5H2O |
| 8.DG.05 | Lemanskiite | NaCaCu5(AsO4)4Cl · 3H2O |
| 8.DG.05 | Rewitzerite | [K(H2O)]Mn2Al3(PO4)4(OH)2 · 14H2O |
| 8.DG.05 | Fluor-rewitzerite | [(H2O)K]Mn2(Al2Ti)(PO4)4(OF)(H2O)10 · 4H2O |
Fluorescence of Sampleite
Not fluorescent.
Other Information
Thermal Behaviour:
Before the blowpipe, fuses at 2 to a black globule coloring the flame bright green.
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 Sampleite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-3515.html
Please feel free to link to this page.
Please feel free to link to this page.
Search Engines:
External Links:
References for Sampleite
Localities for Sampleite
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 | |
| A.L. McLean et al. (2004) |
| Birch et al. (1997) |
| Birch et al. (1997) |
| Beyer et al. (1996) |
| Henry et al. (1988) +2 other references |
| Bridge et al. (1978) |
| Bridge et al. (1978) |
| rruff.geo.arizona.edu (n.d.) |
| Clarke et al. (1986) | |
Austria | |
| Kolitsch et al. (2008) |
| Kirchner (1978) +1 other reference |
| Adlassnig et al. (2013) |
| - (n.d.) +1 other reference |
Chile | |
| Knobler +1 other reference |
| rruff.geo.arizona.edu (n.d.) |
| SEM-EDS by Joy Desor |
| identified by Gerhard Möhn | |
| Pieczonka et al. (2017) | |
| Mr. Terry Szenics (found in 1993 and subsequently analysed) +3 other references |
| Kampf et al. (2012) | |
| rruff.geo.arizona.edu (n.d.) |
| Hurlbut et al. (1942) +1 other reference |
| Samples analysed by Dr. Jochen Schlüter (Hamburg University) |
| |
| Samples analysed by Dr. Jochen Schlüter (Hamburg University) | |
| Personally collected by Günter Frenz |
| various added photos |
| David J. Eicher collection | |
Egypt | |
| Fabrizi et al. (1989) |
Germany | |
| Blaß et al. (1995) |
Hungary | |
| Szakáll et al. (2011) |
Italy | |
| Larocca (2012) |
| Ruggieri et al. (1) |
| Ruggieri et al. (1) | |
| Brizzi et al. (1994) |
Mexico | |
| Megaw (2023) |
Morocco | |
| Favreau (2012) |
Namibia | |
| Jahn (2001) |
Portugal | |
| Alves (2016) |
Romania | |
| Onac et al. (2002) |
Russia | |
| Yakovenchuk et al. (2018) |
| Bortnikova et al. (2005) |
South Africa | |
| Martini (1997) |
Spain | |
| |
USA | |
| MarekC (2019) |
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Lake Boga granite quarry, Lake Boga, Swan Hill Rural City, Victoria, Australia