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Terlinguaite

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Mariposa Mine (California Mountain Mine), Terlingua District, Brewster Co., Texas, USA
© Thomas Witzke

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Formula:
(Hg
+
2
)
 
0.5
Hg
2+
 
ClO
System:MonoclinicColour:Yellow-, yellow-green, ...
Hardness:2 - 3
Name:Named after its discovery locality, Terlingua, Brewster County, Texas, USA.
This page provides mineralogical data about Terlinguaite.

Classification of Terlinguaite

IMA status:Valid - first described prior to 1959 (pre-IMA) - "Grandfathered"
Strunz 8th edition ID:3/D.06-10
Nickel-Strunz 10th (pending) edition ID:3.DD.20

3 : HALIDES
D : Oxyhalides, hydroxyhalides and related double halides
D : With Hg
Dana 8th edition ID:10.4.2.1

10 : OXYHALIDES AND HYDROXYHALIDES
4 : A2(O,OH)Xq
Hey's CIM Ref.:8.5.3

8 : Halides - Fluorides, Chlorides, Bromides and Iodides; also Fluoborates and Fluosilicates
5 : Halides of Zn and Hg
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Type Occurrence of Terlinguaite

Type Locality:Terlingua District, Brewster Co., Texas, USA
Year of Discovery:1900
Associated Minerals at type locality:
MontroyditeMercuryKleiniteEglestoniteCinnabar
Calomel

Physical Properties of Terlinguaite

Lustre:Adamantine
Diaphaneity (Transparency):Transparent, Translucent
Colour:Yellow-, yellow-green, brown (darkens to olive-green on exposure to light); pale olive-green in transmitted light
Streak:Lemon yellow
Hardness (Mohs):2 - 3
Tenacity:Brittle
Cleavage:Perfect
On {_101}
Density (measured):8.725 g/cm3
Density (calculated):8.73 g/cm3

Crystallography of Terlinguaite

Crystal System:Monoclinic
Class (H-M):2/m - Prismatic
Space Group:B2/m {B1 1 2/m} {C2/m} {C1 2/m 1}
Cell Parameters:a = 19.51Å, b = 5.91Å, c = 9.47Å
β = 143.81°
Ratio:a:b:c = 3.301 : 1 : 1.602
Unit Cell Volume:V 644.75 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Morphology:Crystals prismatic [010] and often somewhat flattened on {001}; rarely prismatic in a pyramidal direction; also equidimensional, or thick tabular {001}. Pulverulent; massive aggregates of imperfect crystals (Dana, 7th. ed.: 53).
Crystal Atlas:
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Terlinguaite no.7 - Goldschmidt (1913-1926)

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The mindat.org Crystal Atlas allows you to view a selection of crystal drawings of real and idealised crystal forms for this mineral and, in certain cases, 3d rotating crystal objects. You need Java to see these. You can download Java for free - click here to download Java

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Optical Data of Terlinguaite

Type:Biaxial (-)
RI values: nα = 2.350 nβ = 2.640 nγ = 2.660
2V:Measured: 20° , Calculated: 26°
Maximum Birefringence:δ = 0.310

Chart shows birefringence interference colour range (at 30µm thickness) and does not take into account mineral colouration.
Surface Relief:Very High
Dispersion:relatively strong
Pleochroism:Weak
Comments:Slightly pleochroic in green and yellow.

Chemical Properties of Terlinguaite

Formula:
(Hg
+
2
)
 
0.5
Hg
2+
 
ClO
Essential elements:Cl, Hg, O
All elements listed in formula:Cl, Hg, O

Relationship of Terlinguaite to other Species

Related Minerals - Nickel-Strunz Grouping):

- +
3.DD.05Eglestonite
(Hg
+
2
)
 
3
Cl
 
3
O(OH)
3.DD.05Kadyrelite
(Hg
+
2
)
 
2
(Br,Cl)
 
2
O
3.DD.10Poyarkovite
(Hg
+
2
)
 
1.5
ClO
3.DD.15Hanawaltite
(Hg
+
2
)
 
3
Hg
2+
 
(Cl,OH)
 
2
O
 
3
3.DD.25Pinchite
Hg
2+
5
Cl
 
2
O
 
4
3.DD.30Gianellaite
(Hg
 
2
N)
 
2
SO
 
4
3.DD.30Mosesite
(Hg
 
2
N)(Cl,SO
 
4
,MoO
 
4
) · H
 
2
O
3.DD.35Kleinite
(Hg
 
2
N)(Cl,SO
 
4
) · nH
 
2
O
3.DD.40Tedhadleyite
(Hg
+
2
)
 
5
Hg
2+
 
I
 
2
(Cl,Br)
 
2
O
 
4
3.DD.45Vasilyevite
(Hg
+
2
)
 
10
I
 
3
Br
 
2
Cl(CO
 
3
)O
 
6
3.DD.50Aurivilliusite
(Hg
+
2
)
 
0.5
Hg
2+
 
(I,Br,Cl)O
3.DD.55Terlinguacreekite
Hg
2+
3
Cl
 
2
O
 
2
3.DD.60Kelyanite
(Hg
+
2
)
 
6
Sb
3+
 
BrCl
 
2
O
 
6
3.DD.65Comancheite
Hg
2+
13
(Cl,Br)
 
8
O
 
9
Related Minerals - Hey's Index Grouping:

- +
8.5.1Simonkolleite
Zn
 
5
Cl
 
2
(OH)
 
8
 · H
 
2
O
8.5.2Calomel
(Hg
+
2
)Cl
 
2
8.5.4Poyarkovite
(Hg
+
2
)
 
1.5
ClO
8.5.5Pinchite
Hg
2+
5
Cl
 
2
O
 
4
8.5.6Eglestonite
(Hg
+
2
)
 
3
Cl
 
3
O(OH)
8.5.7Kadyrelite
(Hg
+
2
)
 
2
(Br,Cl)
 
2
O
8.5.8Comancheite
Hg
2+
13
(Cl,Br)
 
8
O
 
9
8.5.9Kuzminite
(Hg
+
2
)(Br,Cl)
 
2
8.5.10Moschelite
(Hg
+
2
)I
 
2
8.5.11Tocornalite
(Ag,Hg)I

Other Names for Terlinguaite

Other Languages:
German:Terlinguait
Russian:Терлингуаит
Spanish:Terlinguaita

Other Information

Other Information:Turns black immediately when treated with hydrogen sulfide. Ammonia causes a slower change to black. Decomposed with separation of calomel by acetic, hydrochloric, and nitric acids.
Health Warning:Contains mercury - always wash hands after handling. Avoid inhaling dust when handling or breaking. Never lick or ingest.

References for Terlinguaite

Reference List:

- +
Mining Sci. Press, San Francisco, 21 July 1900.

Moses (1903) American Journal of Science: 16: 255.

Hillebrand and Schaller (1909) USGS Bulletin 405: 83.

Palache, Charles, Harry Berman & Clifford Frondel (1951), The System of Mineralogy of James Dwight Dana and Edward Salisbury Dana Yale University 1837-1892, Volume II: Halides, Nitrates, Borates, Carbonates, Sulfates, Phosphates, Arsenates, Tungstates, Molybdates, Etc. John Wiley and Sons, Inc., New York, 7th edition, revised and enlarged: 52-56.

Acta Crystallographica (1956): 9: 956.

Internet Links for Terlinguaite

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  • Raman and XRD data at RRUFF project
  • American Mineralogist Crystal Structure Database
  • Terlinguaite details from Handbook of Mineralogy (PDF)
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    • Localities for Terlinguaite

    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.
    Austria
     
    • Tyrol
      • North Tyrol
        • Inn valley
          • Brixlegg - Schwaz area
            • Brixlegg - Rattenberg
              • Geyer - Silberberg District
                • Silberberg
    		Schnorrer, G. and Poeverlein, R. (2002) Schwaz-Brixlegg-Fundstellen: 2. Die Minerale des Stockerstollens bei Brixlegg in Tirol. Aufschluss, 53, 209-228.
    Germany
     
    • Rhineland-Palatinate
      • Palatinate
        • Alsenz-Obermoschel
    		Lapis 2001(6), 13-40
    Stephan Wolfsried collection
    Dreyer, G. (1975): Neue Mineralien in der Rheinpfalz II, Mitteilungen der Pollichia, 63, 5-9.
    Kyrgyzstan
     
    • Osh Oblast
      • Alai (Alay) Range
    		[Lapis 1993:11 p11-24]
        • Fergana Valley
    		[Lapis 11:11-24]; Pekov, I. (1998) Minerals First discovered on the territory of the former Soviet Union 369p. Ocean Pictures, Moscow
    Mexico
     
    • Guerrero
      • Mun. de Taxco
        • Hauhauxtla
    		Panczner (1987): 135-372.
        • Huahuaxtla
    		Panczner(1987):372.
    Panczner(1987):372.
    • San Luis Potosí
      • Mun. de Moctezuma
        • Moctezuma
          • Hacienda de Santa Antonio de Rul
    		Panczner(1987):135,164,185 & 372.; Percy Babb (1909) Dulces Nombres Quicksilver Deposit, Mexico. Engineering & Mining Journal 684-686.
    Russia
     
    • Eastern-Siberian Region
      • Tuva Republic
        • Pii-Khem District
          • Uyuk Range
    		Canadian Mineralogist Feb. 1999
    USA
     
    • Arkansas
      • Pike Co.
    		Roberts, A.C. et al (2003), The Canadian Mineralogist: 41(3): 721-725.
    • California
      • Kings Co.
        • Parkfield District
          • The Dark Hole Valley
    		Bailey, Edgar H. (1942), Quicksilver deposits of the Parkfield district, California: USGS Bulletin 936-F: 159; Pemberton, H. Earl (1983), Minerals of California; Van Nostrand Reinholt Press: 115, 197.
      • San Benito Co.
        • Diablo Range
          • New Idria District
            • Picacho Peak
    		Mineralogical Record: 36(4): 337-363.
      • San Mateo Co.
        • Emerald Lake Hills
          • Upper Emerald Lake
    		Murdoch, Joseph & Robert W. Webb (1966), Minerals of California, Centennial Volume (1866-1966): California Division Mines & Geology Bulletin 189: 150, 260, 262, 362.
    • Nevada
      • Humboldt Co.
        • Opalite District
    		Rocks & Minerals, Nov. 1999
        • Poverty Peak District
    		NBMG Spec. Pub. 31 Minerals of Nevada
    NBMG Spec. Pub. 31 Minerals of Nevada
    • Oregon
      • Malheur Co.
    		McCormack, J.K. (2000): Mineralium Deposita 35(8), 796-798.
    • Texas
      • Brewster Co.
    		Mining & Scientific Press, San Francisco, 21. July 1900; 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: 55; Mineralogical Record: 21: 233.
    Rocks & Minerals: 66(3): 196-224.
    Rocks & Minerals: 66(1): 202.
    Kelly Nash Collection
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    Copyright © Jolyon Ralph and Ida Chau 1993-2013. 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.
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