Mindat Logo
Home Page Log In Message Board The Mindat Directory
Register Search Pages Chat Now! (2 online) Mindat Auctions

Austinite

Big Photo

Gold Hill Mine (Western Utah Mine), Gold Hill, Gold Hill District (Clifton District), Deep Creek Mts, Tooele Co., Utah, USA
© Karl Volkman03/05

Show Austinite Photos (69)
Formula:
CaZn[OH|AsO
 
4
]
System:OrthorhombicColour:Colourless to pale ...
Lustre:Sub-Adamantine, SilkyHardness:4 - 4½
Name:Named after Austin Flint Rogers (1877-1957), American mineralogist at Stanford University.


Adelite-Descloizite Group. Austinite-Conichalcite Series. The zinc analogue of Cobaltaustinite and Nickelaustinite.

Classification of Austinite

IMA status:Valid - first described prior to 1959 (pre-IMA) - "Grandfathered"
Strunz 8th edition ID:7/B.26-40
Nickel-Strunz 10th (pending) edition ID:8.BH.35

8 : PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, VANADATES
B : Phosphates, etc., with additional anions, without H2O
H : With medium-sized and large cations, (OH,etc.):RO4 = 1:1
Dana 7th edition ID:41.5.1.2
Dana 8th edition ID:41.5.1.3

41 : ANHYDROUS PHOSPHATES, ETC.CONTAINING HYDROXYL OR HALOGEN
5 : (AB)2(XO4)Zq
Hey's CIM Ref.:20.3.9

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-432.html
Please feel free to link to this page.

Type Occurrence of Austinite

Type Locality:Gold Hill Mine (Western Utah Mine), Gold Hill, Gold Hill District (Clifton District), Deep Creek Mts, Tooele Co., Utah, USA
Year of Discovery:1935
Geological Setting of type material:Oxidized zone of metal deposit.
Associated Minerals at type locality:
QuartzLimoniteAdamite

Occurrences of Austinite

Geological Setting:A rare mineral in the oxidation zone of arsenic bearing base metal deposits.

Physical Properties of Austinite

Lustre:Sub-Adamantine, Silky
Diaphaneity (Transparency):Transparent, Translucent
Comment:Silky in aggregates.
Colour:Colourless to pale yellowish white or bright green; colourless in transmitted light.
Streak:White
Hardness (Mohs):4 - 4½
Tenacity:Brittle
Cleavage:Distinct/Good
Good on {011}.
Density (measured):4.13 g/cm3
Density (calculated):4.31 g/cm3

Crystallography of Austinite

Crystal System:Orthorhombic
Class (H-M):2 2 2 - Disphenoidal
Space Group:P21 21 21
Cell Parameters:a = 7.506(3) Å, b = 9.041(5) Å, c = 5.927(7) Å
Ratio:a:b:c = 0.83 : 1 : 0.656
Unit Cell Volume:V 403.01 ų
Z:4
Morphology:Enantiomorphous bladed crystals elongated [100], radial fibrous crusts and nodules.
Twinning:Left and right hand individuals joined on (100) with (010) and (001) coincident.

Optical Data of Austinite

Type:Biaxial (+)
RI values: nα = 1.759(3) nβ = 1.763(3) nγ = 1.783(3)
2V:Measured: 47° , Calculated: 50°
Maximum Birefringence:δ = 0.024

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

Chemical Properties of Austinite

Formula:
CaZn[OH|AsO
 
4
]
Essential elements:As, Ca, H, O, Zn
All elements listed in formula:As, Ca, H, O, Zn

Relationship of Austinite to other Species

Series:Forms a series with Conichalcite (see here)
Member of Group:
Adelite-Descloizite Group:
Related Minerals - Nickel-Strunz Grouping):

- +
8.BH.05Thadeuite
Ca(Mg,Fe
2+
 
)
 
3
[(OH,F)|PO
 
4
]
 
2
8.BH.10Durangite
NaAl[F|AsO
 
4
]
8.BH.10Isokite
CaMg[F|PO
 
4
]
8.BH.10Lacroixite
NaAl[F|PO
 
4
]
8.BH.10Maxwellite
NaFe
3+
 
[F|AsO
 
4
]
8.BH.10Panasqueiraite
CaMg[(OH,F)|PO
 
4
]
8.BH.10Tilasite
CaMg[F|AsO
 
4
]
8.BH.15Drugmanite
Pb(Fe
3+
 
,Al)
 
2
[OH|PO
 
4
]
 
2
8.BH.20Bjarebyite
(Ba,Sr)(Mn
2+
 
,Fe
2+
 
,Mg)
 
2
Al
 
2
[OH|PO
 
4
]
 
3
8.BH.20Cirrolite
near Ca
 
3
Al
 
2
(PO
 
4
)
 
3
(OH)
 
3
8.BH.20Kulanite
Ba(Fe
2+
 
,Mn
2+
 
,Mg)
 
2
(Al,Fe
3+
 
)
 
2
[OH|PO
 
4
]
 
3
8.BH.20Penikisite
Ba(Mg,Fe
2+
 
,Ca)
 
2
Al
 
2
[OH|PO
 
4
]
 
3
8.BH.20Perloffite
Ba(Mn
2+
 
,Fe
2+
 
)
 
2
Fe
3+
2
[OH|PO
 
4
]
 
3
8.BH.20Johntomaite
BaFe
2+
2
Fe
3+
2
[OH|PO
 
4
]
 
3
8.BH.25Bertossaite
(Li,Na)
 
2
(Ca,Fe
2+
 
,Mn
2+
 
)Al
 
4
[(OH,F)|PO
 
4
]
 
4
8.BH.25Palermoite
(Li,Na)
 
2
(Sr,Ca)Al
 
4
[PO
 
4
]
 
4
(OH)
 
4
8.BH.30Carminite
PbFe
3+
2
[OH|AsO
 
4
]
 
2
8.BH.30Sewardite
CaFe
3+
2
(AsO
 
4
)
 
2
(OH)
 
2
8.BH.35Adelite
CaMg[AsO
 
4
](OH)
8.BH.35Arsendescloizite
PbZn[OH|AsO
 
4
]
8.BH.35Cobaltaustinite
CaCo[OH|AsO
 
4
]
8.BH.35Conichalcite
CaCu[OH|AsO
 
4
]
8.BH.35Duftite
PbCu[OH|AsO
 
4
]
8.BH.35Gabrielsonite
PbFe[OH|AsO
 
4
]
8.BH.35Nickelaustinite
Ca(Ni,Zn)[OH|AsO
 
4
]
8.BH.35Tangeite
CaCu[OH|VO
 
4
]
8.BH.35Gottlobite
CaMg[OH|(VO
 
4
,AsO
 
4
)]
8.BH.40Čechite
Pb(Fe
2+
 
,Mn
2+
 
)[OH|VO
 
4
]
8.BH.40Descloizite
Pb(Zn,Cu)[OH|VO
 
4
]
8.BH.40Mottramite
Pb(Cu,Zn)[OH|VO
 
4
]
8.BH.40Pyrobelonite
PbMn
2+
 
[OH|VO
 
4
]
8.BH.45Bayldonite
Cu
 
3
Pb[OH|AsO
 
4
]
 
2
8.BH.45Vésigniéite
BaCu
 
3
[OH|VO
 
4
]
 
2
8.BH.50Paganoite
NiBi[O|AsO
 
4
]
8.BH.55Jagowerite
BaAl
 
2
[OH|PO
 
4
]
 
2
8.BH.60Attakolite
(Ca,Sr)Mn(Al,Fe)
 
4
[(OH)
 
4
|(SiO
 
4
,PO
 
4
)|(HPO
 
4
,PO
 
4
)
 
3
]
8.BH.65Leningradite
PbCu
 
3
[Cl|VO
 
4
]
 
2
Related Minerals - Hey's Index Grouping:

- +
20.3.1Adamite
Zn
 
2
(AsO
 
4
)(OH)
20.3.2Paradamite
Zn
 
2
[OH|AsO
 
4
]
20.3.3Koritnigite
Zn[HAsO
 
4
] · H
 
2
O
20.3.4Legrandite
Zn
 
2
[OH|AsO
 
4
] · 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,Cu)
 
3
[AsO
 
4
]
 
2
20.3.8Philipsburgite
(Cu,Zn)
 
6
[(OH)
 
3
|(AsO
 
4
,PO
 
4
)]
 
2
 · H
 
2
O
20.3.10Prosperite
CaZn
 
2
[OH|HAsO
 
4
|AsO
 
4
]
20.3.11Gaitite
Ca
 
2
Zn[AsO
 
4
]
 
2
 · 2H
 
2
O
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
[(OH)
 
8
|(AsO
 
4
)
 
2
|SiO
 
4
]
20.3.16Chudobaite
(Mg,Zn)
 
5
[HAsO
 
4
|AsO
 
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
Related Minerals - Dana Grouping):

- +
41.5.1.9Arsendescloizite
PbZn[OH|AsO
 
4
]

Other Names for Austinite

Synonyms:
Brickerite
Other Languages:
German:Austinit
Brickerit
Russian:Аустинит
Spanish:Austinita
Brickerita
Varieties:
Cobaltoan AustiniteCuprian Austinite

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 Austinite

Reference List:Staples, L. W. (1935): Austinite, a new arsenate mineral, from Gold Hill, Utah. American Mineralogist: 20: 112-119.

Ahlfeld and Mosebach (1936) Zentralblatt Mineralien: 226, 287 (as Brickerit).

Brendler (1938) American Mineralogist: 23: 347.

Strunz, H. (1939): Mineralien der Descloizitgruppe. Konichalcit, Staszizit, Austinit, Duftit, Aräoxen, Volborthit, Pyrobelonit. Zeitschrift für Kristallographie, Mineralogie und Petrographie, Leipzig (A) 101, 496-506.

Richmond (1940) American Mineralogist: 25: 441.

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.: 809-810.

Neues Jahrbuch für Mineralogie, Monatshefte (1988): 159-166.

Anthony, J.W., Bideaux, R.A., Bladh, K.W., and Nichols, M.C. (2000) Handbook of Mineralogy, Volume IV. Arsenates, Phosphates, Vanadates. Mineral Data Publishing, Tucson, AZ, 680pp.: 43.

Internet Links for Austinite

Search Engines:
  • Look for Austinite on Google
  • Look for Austinite images on Google
    • External Links:
  • Look for Austinite on Webmineral
  • Look for Austinite on Athena Mineralogy
  • Look for Austinite on Wikipedia
  • Look for Austinite on Mineralien Atlas
  • Raman and XRD data at RRUFF project
  • American Mineralogist Crystal Structure Database
  • Search for Austinite in the Natural History Museum (London) online catalogue
  • Austinite details from Handbook of Mineralogy (PDF)
    • Mineral Dealers:
  • Fabre Minerals - search for Austinite specimens
  • Mineral Classics - Worldwide Collector Quality Minerals and Gems
  • Lapis Mineral Magazin
  • Buy fine minerals and gemstones from Pala International
  • Fine Minerals from Dan Weinrich Minerals
  • Top quality minerals from Kristalle of California
  • Search for - Austinite - on e-Rocks Mineral Sales & Auctions
  • Edwards Minerals - Fine Specimens
  • DAKOTA MATRIX offers Cabinet and Rare Species from Worldwide Localities.
  • Find Austinite on www.crystalclassics.co.uk
  • The Arkenstone - Fine Minerals
  • Wendel Minerals - Auktion & Shop
    • Jobs:
  • Mining & Geology Jobs

    • Page Sponsor

    Sponsorship:This page is currently not sponsored. Click here to sponsor this page.

    Localities for Austinite

    Hide Locality List
    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.
    (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
     
    • Salzburg
      • Hohe Tauern Mts
        • Rauris valley
          • Hüttwinkl valley
            • Alteck Mt. - Hoher Sonnblick Mt. area
              • Kolm-Saigurn
    		A. Strasser: Die MInerale Salzburgs (1989)
    Bolivia
     
    • La Paz Department
      • Aroma Province
        • Sica Sica
          • Lomitos
    		Ahlfeld and Mosebach (1936) Zentralblatt Mineralien: 226, 287 (Brickerit); 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: 810.
    Chile
     
    • Atacama Region
      • Chañaral province
        • El Salado
          • Diego de Almagro
            • Pampa Capitana
              • La Florida district
    		Ruiz Fuller C.-Peebles F.; "Yacimientos metalíferos de Chile", Fondecyt, Stgo 1988, Chile
      • Copiapó Province
        • Tierra Amarilla
          • Pampa Larga district
    		M. Dini collection
    France
     
    • Brittany
      • Finistère
        • Huelgoat
    		R.PIERROT, L. CHAURIS, C. LAFORET (1973) : "Inventaire minéralogique de la France : 29- Finistère.", B.R.G.M. Paris.
    • Languedoc-Roussillon
      • Pyrénées-Orientales
        • Arles sur Tech
          • Montferrer
    		Berbain, C., Favreau, G. & Aymar, J. (2005): Mines et Minéraux des Pyrénées-Orientales et des Corbières. Association Française de Microminéralogie Ed., 53-59.
    Germany
     
    • Baden-Württemberg
      • Black Forest
        • Gengenbach
          • Haigerach valley
    		Wittern,A. (1995) Mineralien finden im Schwarzwald
        • Lahr
          • Reichenbach
            • Weiler
    		Wittern: "Mineralfundorte in Deutschland", 2001
    • Rhineland-Palatinate
      • Lahn valley
    		Wittern: "Mineralfundorte in Deutschland", 2001
          • Frücht
    		Der Aufschluss Vol.55, March/April 2004
    • Saxony
      • Erzgebirge
        • Schneeberg District
          • Wolfgang Maaßen Mine field
    		J. Gröbner und U. Kolitsch (2005): Neufunde aus dem Bergrevier Schneeberg im Erzgebirge. Lapis 30 (7-8), 71-73; 81-82.
    Greece
     
    • Attikí (Attica; Attika) Prefecture
      • Lavrion (Laurion; Laurium) District
        • Lavrion District Mines
          • Agios Konstantinos [St Constantine] (Kamariza)
            • Kamariza Mines (Kamareza Mines)
    		No reference listed
              • Hilarion area
    		No reference listed
    No reference listed
          • Lavrion (Laurion; Laurium)
            • Lavrion Mines
    		No reference listed
    Hungary
     
    • Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén Co.
      • Rudabányai Mts.
        • Rudabánya
    		Szakáll: Minerals of Rudabánya, 2001
    Mexico
     
    • Chihuahua
      • Mun. de Casas Grandes
        • San Pedro Corralitos
    		Min Rec 35:6 pp4-17
    Wendell W. (2004) - Famous Mineral Localities: San Pedro Corralitos. Mineralogical Record 35(6), 4-17,65.
    • Durango
      • Mun. de Mapimí
        • Mapimí
    		Thomas P. Moore (2008) Lapis, 33, #7-8, 33-40.
    Rocks & Min.: 56:247.
    Thomas P. Moore (2008) Lapis, 33, #7-8, 33-40.
    Thomas P. Moore (2008) Lapis, 33, #7-8, 33-40.
    Morocco
     
    • Souss-Massa-Draâ Region
      • Ouarzazate Province
        • Tazenakht
          • Bou Azzer District
            • Aghbar
    		Favreau, G. and Dietrich, J. E. (2006). Die Mineralien von Bou Azzer. Lapis 31(7/8), 27-68
            • Ambed
    		[var: Cuprian Austinite] Favreau, G. and Dietrich, J. E. (2006). Die Mineralien von Bou Azzer. Lapis 31(7/8), 27-68
            • Oumlil
    		[var: Cuprian Austinite] Favreau, G. and Dietrich, J. E. (2006). Die Mineralien von Bou Azzer. Lapis 31(7/8), 27-68
    Namibia
     
    • Otjikoto (Oshikoto) Region
      • Tsumeb
    		 Gebhard, G. (1999): Tsumeb II. A Unique Mineral Locality. GG Publishing, Grossenseifen, Germany
    • Otjozondjupa Region
      • Grootfontein District
        • Guchab-Rodgerberg area
    		Anthony, Bideaux, Bladh, Nichols: Handbook of Mineralogy, Vol. IV
    Poland
     
    • Świętokrzyskie
      • Świętokrzyskie Mts (Holy Cross Mts)
        • Kielce District
          • Chęciny
    		Bzowska, G., Karwowski, Ł., Juzaszek, A. (2003): New phosphate and arsenate minerals from Miedzianka near Chęciny (Holy Cross Mts). Mineralogical Society of Poland - Special Papers, Vol. 23
    USA
     
    • Arizona
      • Gila Co.
        • Dripping Spring Mts
          • Banner District
            • Hayden area
              • Chilito
    		Keith, S.B. (1972), Mineralogy and paragenesis of the 79 mine lead-zinc-copper deposit, Min.Rec.: 3: 247-264.
      • Pinal Co.
        • Galiuro Mts
          • Table Mountain District
            • Table Mountain area
    		Anthony, J.W., et al (1995), Mineralogy of Arizona, 3rd.ed.: 124; Bideaux, R.A., et al (1960), Some new occurrences of minerals of Arizona, AZ Geol. Soc. Digest: 3: 53-56; Anthony, Bideaux, Bladh, Nichols: Handbook of Mineralogy, Vol. IV
    • California
      • San Bernardino Co.
        • Clark Mts
          • Clark Mountain District
            • Pactolus
              • Mohawk Hill
    		[Mineralien Welt 1/93:44]
    • Colorado
      • Hinsdale Co.
    		Anthony, Bideaux, Bladh, Nichols: Handbook of Mineralogy, Vol. IV
    MinRec 11:13
    • Nevada
      • Churchill Co.
        • Chalk Mountain District
    		NBMG Spec. Pub. 31 Minerals of Nevada
        • Westgate District
    		NBMG Spec. Pub. 31 Minerals of Nevada
      • Esmeralda Co.
        • Railroad Springs District
    		NBMG Spec. Pub. 31 Minerals of Nevada
        • Weepah District
    		Rocks & Minerals, Nov. 1999
      • Humboldt Co.
        • Iron Point District
          • Valmy
    		Dr. William S. Wise presentation to Northwest Micro Mineral Study Group on 1 May 2004, Update on Mineralogy of the Silver Coin Mine, Iron Point District, Edna Mountains, Humboldt Co., Nevada
      • Lander Co.
        • Bullion District
    		NBMG Spec. Pub. 31 Minerals of Nevada
      • Lincoln Co.
        • Silver King District
    		NBMG Spec. Pub. 31 Minerals of Nevada
      • Mineral Co.
        • Bell District
    		NBMG Spec. Pub. 31 Minerals of Nevada
      • Nye Co.
        • Lodi District
          • Quartz Mountain camp
    		NBMG Spec. Pub. 31 Minerals of Nevada
        • Reveille District
    		NBMG Spec. Pub. 31 Minerals of Nevada
      • Washoe Co.
        • Dogskin Mountain District
    		NBMG Spec. Pub. 31 Minerals of Nevada
    • New Jersey
      • Sussex Co.
        • Franklin Mining District
          • Ogdensburg
            • Sterling Hill
    		Dunn, P.J., Mineralogical Record: 10: 160-165; Dunn, Pete J. (1995): Franklin and Sterling Hill New Jersey: the world’s most magnificent mineral deposits, part: 5: 658.
    • New Mexico
      • Hidalgo Co.
        • San Simon District
    		Minerals of New Mexico, Northrup (3rd Ed., LaBruzza, 1996)
    R&M 77:5 p298-305
    Twenty-fourth Annual New Mexico Mineral Symposium
      • Lincoln Co.
    		Minerals of New Mexico 3rd ed.
          • Gallinas Mts
    		[var: Cuprian Austinite] Minerals of New Mexico 3rd ed.
    • Utah
      • Tooele Co.
        • Deep Creek Mts
          • Gold Hill District (Clifton District)
            • Gold Hill
    		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: 810; American Mineralogist (1971): 56: 1359. Kokinos, M. and Wise, W.S. (1993), Famous Mineral Localities: the Gold Hill mine, Tooele County, Utah. Mineralogical Record: 24(1): 11-22.
    Min Rec 24:1 pp11-22
    Min Rec 24:1 pp11-22
    Kokinos, M. and Wise, W.S. (1993), Famous Mineral Localities: the Gold Hill mine, Tooele County, Utah. Mineralogical Record: 24(1): 11-22.
    Kokinos, M. and Wise, W.S. (1993), Famous Mineral Localities: the Gold Hill mine, Tooele County, Utah. Mineralogical Record: 24(1): 11-22.
    Min Rec 24:1 pp11-22
    • Washington
      • Stevens Co.
        • Deer Trail & Cedar Canyon Districts
          • Adams Mountain
    		Cannon, B. (1975): Minerals of Washington, p.52
    Mineral and/or Locality
    Google
     
    www.mindat.org Web
    Copyright © Jolyon Ralph and Ida Chau 1993-2009. 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. If you would like to add information to improve the quality of our database, then click here to register. Current server date and time: 31st Oct 2009 07:48:23