Log InRegister
Quick Links : The Mindat ManualThe Rock H. Currier Digital LibraryMindat Newsletter [Free Download]
Home PageAbout MindatThe Mindat ManualHistory of MindatCopyright StatusWho We AreContact UsAdvertise on Mindat
Donate to MindatCorporate SponsorshipSponsor a PageSponsored PagesMindat AdvertisersAdvertise on Mindat
Learning CenterWhat is a mineral?The most common minerals on earthInformation for EducatorsMindat ArticlesThe ElementsThe Rock H. Currier Digital LibraryGeologic Time
Minerals by PropertiesMinerals by ChemistryAdvanced Locality SearchRandom MineralRandom LocalitySearch by minIDLocalities Near MeSearch ArticlesSearch GlossaryMore Search Options
Search For:
Mineral Name:
Locality Name:
Keyword(s):
 
The Mindat ManualAdd a New PhotoRate PhotosLocality Edit ReportCoordinate Completion ReportAdd Glossary Item
Mining CompaniesStatisticsUsersMineral MuseumsClubs & OrganizationsMineral Shows & EventsThe Mindat DirectoryDevice SettingsThe Mineral Quiz
Photo SearchPhoto GalleriesSearch by ColorNew Photos TodayNew Photos YesterdayMembers' Photo GalleriesPast Photo of the Day GalleryPhotography

Calomel

A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered
This page is currently not sponsored. Click here to sponsor this page.
Hide all sections | Show all sections

About CalomelHide

Formula:
[Hg2]2+Cl2
Colour:
Colourless, white, grayish, yellowish white, yellowish grey to ash-grey, brown; darkens upon exposure to light
Lustre:
Adamantine
Hardness:
1½ - 2
Specific Gravity:
7.15
Crystal System:
Tetragonal
Member of:
Name:
From Greek kalos = beautiful and melos = black, because it turns black when it comes into contact with ammonia. This reaction, which was already known to the alchemists centuries ago, is used as a test for mercury(I).

Unique IdentifiersHide

Mindat ID:
869
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:869:1
GUID
(UUID V4):
182b710f-1611-4596-8ff4-07a826492384

IMA Classification of CalomelHide

Approved, 'Grandfathered' (first described prior to 1959)
IMA Formula:
HgCl

Classification of CalomelHide

3.AA.30

3 : HALIDES
A : Simple halides, without H2O
A : M:X = 1:1, 2:3, 3:5, etc.
9.1.8.1

9 : NORMAL HALIDES
1 : AX
8.5.2

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

Mineral SymbolsHide

As of 2021 there are now IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols (abbreviations) for each mineral species, useful for tables and diagrams.

SymbolSourceReference
CloIMA–CNMNCWarr, L.N. (2021). IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols. Mineralogical Magazine, 85(3), 291-320. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43

Physical Properties of CalomelHide

Adamantine
Transparency:
Transparent
Colour:
Colourless, white, grayish, yellowish white, yellowish grey to ash-grey, brown; darkens upon exposure to light
Streak:
Light yellowish white
Hardness:
1½ - 2 on Mohs scale
Tenacity:
Sectile
Cleavage:
Distinct/Good
{110} good but slightly uneven; {011} imperfect.
Fracture:
Conchoidal
Density:
7.15 g/cm3 (Measured)    7.23 g/cm3 (Calculated)

Optical Data of CalomelHide

Type:
Uniaxial (+)
RI values:
nω = 1.973 nε = 2.656
Max Birefringence:
δ = 0.683
Image shows birefringence interference colour range (at 30µm thickness)
and does not take into account mineral colouration.
Surface Relief:
Very High
Pleochroism:
Weak
Comments:
Absorption E greater than O.
Comments:
Mechanically deformed crystals may exhibit optical anomalies.

Chemistry of CalomelHide

Mindat Formula:
[Hg2]2+Cl2

Crystallography of CalomelHide

Crystal System:
Tetragonal
Class (H-M):
4/mmm (4/m 2/m 2/m) - Ditetragonal Dipyramidal
Space Group:
I4/mmm
Cell Parameters:
a = 4.4795(5) Å, c = 10.9054(9) Å
Ratio:
a:c = 1 : 2.435
Unit Cell V:
218.83 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
4
Morphology:
Crystals often tabular {001}; prismatic [001]; pyramidal; equant, especially in complex twins. Complex development often exhibited. Drusy crusts of minute crystals. Massive, earthy.
Twinning:
On {112}. As contact or interpenetrant twins often repeated and with irregular and concealed boundaries.

Crystal StructureHide

Load
Unit Cell | Unit Cell Packed
2x2x2 | 3x3x3 | 4x4x4
Show
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
View
CIF File    Best | x | y | z | a | b | c
Rotation
Stop | Start
Labels
Console Off | On | Grey | Yellow
IDSpeciesReferenceLinkYearLocalityPressure (GPa)Temp (K)
0010993CalomelCalos N J, Kennard C H L, Davis R L (1989) The structure of calomel, Hg2Cl2, derived from neutron powder data Zeitschrift fur Kristallographie 187 305-30719890293
0011656CalomelWyckoff R W G (1963) Second edition. Interscience Publishers, New York, New York Crystal Structures 1 85-23719630293
0017968CalomelHavighurst R (1925) Crystal structure of the mercurous halides _cod_database_code 1011069 American Journal of Science 10 15-2819250293
0017974CalomelHavighurst R (1926) Parameters in crystal structure. The mercurous halides _cod_database_code 1011076 Journal of the American Chemical Society 48 2113-213019260293
0017669CalomelHylleraas E (1926) Die Anordnung der Atome in den tetragonalen Kristallen der einwertigen Quecksilberhalogenide Hg2 Cl2, Hg2 Br2, Hg2 J2. Berechnung der optischen Doppelbrechung von Hg2 Cl2. _cod_database_code 1010948 Zeitschrift fur Physik 36 859-89619260293
CIF Raw Data - click here to close

X-Ray Powder DiffractionHide

Powder Diffraction Data:
d-spacingIntensity
3.170 Å(100)
4.15 Å(75)
2.067 Å(40)
2.727 Å(30)
1.962 Å(30)
1.970 Å(16)
2.824 Å(12)
Comments:
Synthetic.

Geological EnvironmentHide

Paragenetic Mode(s):
Paragenetic ModeEarliest Age (Ga)
Stage 7: Great Oxidation Event<2.4
47g : [Halogen-bearing surface weathering minerals]
Geological Setting:
Uncommon in the secondary weathering zones of mercury deposits.

Type Occurrence of CalomelHide

Synonyms of CalomelHide

Other Language Names for CalomelHide

Relationship of Calomel to other SpeciesHide

Member of:
Other Members of this group:
Kuzminite[Hg2]2+(Br,Cl)2Tet. 4/mmm (4/m 2/m 2/m) : I4/mmm
Moschelite[Hg2]2+I2Tet. 4/mmm (4/m 2/m 2/m) : I4/mmm
Forms a series with:

Common AssociatesHide

Associated Minerals Based on Photo Data:
25 photos of Calomel associated with CinnabarHgS
16 photos of Calomel associated with MercuryHg
14 photos of Calomel associated with Eglestonite[Hg2]2+3OCl3(OH)
8 photos of Calomel associated with QuartzSiO2
5 photos of Calomel associated with Terlinguaite[Hg3]4+Hg2+Cl2O2
3 photos of Calomel associated with CalciteCaCO3
3 photos of Calomel associated with ChalcedonySiO2
1 photo of Calomel associated with Gianellaite[(Hg2N)2](SO4)(H2O)x
1 photo of Calomel associated with CristobaliteSiO2
1 photo of Calomel associated with CorderoiteHg2+3S2Cl2

Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat GroupingHide

3.AA.Brontesite(NH4)3PbCl5Orth. mmm (2/m 2/m 2/m) : Pnma
3.AA.05MarshiteCuIIso. 4 3m : F4 3m
3.AA.05Miersite(Ag,Cu)IIso. 4 3m : F4 3m
3.AA.05NantokiteCuClIso. 4 3m : F4 3m
3.AA.05UM1999-11:I:CuSCu(I,S)
3.AA.10IodargyriteAgIHex. 6mm : P6mm
3.AA.10Tocornalite(Ag,Hg)IHex.
3.AA.15BromargyriteAgBrIso. m3m (4/m 3 2/m) : Fm3m
3.AA.15ChlorargyriteAgClIso. m3m (4/m 3 2/m) : Fm3m
3.AA.20CarobbiiteKFIso. m3m (4/m 3 2/m) : Fm3m
3.AA.20GriceiteLiFIso. m3m (4/m 3 2/m) : Fm3m
3.AA.20HaliteNaClIso. m3m (4/m 3 2/m) : Fm3m
3.AA.20SylviteKClIso. m3m (4/m 3 2/m) : Fm3m
3.AA.20VilliaumiteNaFIso. m3m (4/m 3 2/m) : Fd3m
3.AA.25SalammoniacNH4ClIso. m3m (4/m 3 2/m)
3.AA.25UM1998-03-Cl:TlTlCl
3.AA.25LafossaiteTl(Cl,Br)Iso. m3m (4/m 3 2/m) : Pm3m
3.AA.25NataliyamalikiteTlIOrth. mmm (2/m 2/m 2/m) : Cmcm
3.AA.30Kuzminite[Hg2]2+(Br,Cl)2Tet. 4/mmm (4/m 2/m 2/m) : I4/mmm
3.AA.30Moschelite[Hg2]2+I2Tet. 4/mmm (4/m 2/m 2/m) : I4/mmm
3.AA.35NeighboriteNaMgF3Orth. mmm (2/m 2/m 2/m)
3.AA.35ParascandolaiteKMgF3Iso. m3m (4/m 3 2/m) : Pm3m
3.AA.40ChlorocalciteKCaCl3Orth. mmm (2/m 2/m 2/m) : Pnma
3.AA.40JavorieiteKFeCl3Orth. mmm (2/m 2/m 2/m) : Pnma
3.AA.45KolaritePbTeCl2Orth.
3.AA.50RadhakrishnaitePbTe3(Cl,S)2Tet.
3.AA.55ChallacolloiteKPb2Cl5Mon. 2/m : P21/b
3.AA.60HephaistositeTlPb2Cl5Mon. 2/m : P21/b
3.AA.90PseudocotunniteK2PbCl4Orth.

Fluorescence of CalomelHide

Brick-red (UV)

Other InformationHide

Thermal Behaviour:
Thermally positive.
Health Risks:
Contains mercury - always wash hands after handling. Avoid inhaling dust when handling or breaking. Never lick or ingest.
Industrial Uses:
Ore of mercury.

Calomel in petrologyHide

An essential component of rock names highlighted in red, an accessory component in rock names highlighted in green.

Internet Links for CalomelHide

References for CalomelHide

Reference List:

Localities for CalomelHide

This 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.

Locality ListHide

- 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). Struck out - Mineral was erroneously reported from this locality. Faded * - Never found at this locality but inferred to have existed at some point in the past (e.g. from pseudomorphs).

All localities listed without proper references should be considered as questionable.
Australia
 
  • New South Wales
    • Cowper Co.
      • Doradilla
Chile
 
  • Atacama
    • Chañaral Province
      • Diego de Almagro
China
 
  • Shandong
    • Linyi
      • Pingyi County
        • Tongshi complex
Czech Republic
 
  • Central Bohemian Region
    • Beroun District
      • Chaloupky
        • Neřežín
France
 
  • Occitanie
    • Hérault
Germany
 
  • Rhineland-Palatinate
    • Donnersbergkreis
      • Kirchheimbolanden
        • Mörsfeld
      • Nordpfälzer Land
        • Obermoschel
        • Stahlberg
    • Kusel
      • Lauterecken-Wolfstein
        • Wolfstein
Italy
 
  • Emilia-Romagna
    • Parma Province
      • Albareto
        • Gotra Valley
  • Tuscany
    • Lucca Province
      • Stazzema
Japan
 
  • Nagasaki Prefecture
    • Sasebo City
Kyrgyzstan
 
  • Batken Region
Mexico
 
  • Guerrero
    • Taxco de Alarcón
  • Queretaro
    • Cadereyta de Montes Municipality
      • El Doctor
  • San Luis Potosí
    • Moctezuma Municipality
      • Moctezuma
        • Hacienda de Santa Antonio de Rul
  • Sonora
    • Moctezuma Municipality
  • Zacatecas
    • Plateros
Russia
 
  • Buryatia
    • Baunt District
      • North-Muya Range
        • Middle Kelyana River
  • Kamchatka Krai
    • Yelizovsky District
  • Primorsky Krai
    • Mikhaylovsky District
  • Tuva
    • Pi-Khem District
      • Uyuk Range
        • Oorash-Khem River Valley
Serbia
 
  • Central Serbia
    • Belgrade
      • Voždovac
        • Beli Potok
Slovakia
 
  • Košice Region
    • Gelnica District
      • Švedlár
    • Rožňava District
      • Nižná Slaná
Spain
 
  • Andalusia
    • Almería
      • Huércal-Overa
        • Cuesta Alta
          • Cerro Minado Mines
      • Pulpí
  • Castile-La Mancha
    • Ciudad Real
      • Almadén
      • Almadenejos
  • Extremadura
    • Badajoz
      • Usagre
UK
 
  • England
    • North Yorkshire
      • Craven
        • Grassington
          • Grassington Moor
USA
 
  • Arizona
    • Gila County
    • Maricopa County
      • Sunflower Mining District (Mazatzal Mountains Mining District; Quicksilver Mining District)
        • Gila County belt
        • Maricopa County belt
  • Arkansas
    • Clark County
    • Howard County
    • Pike County
      • Lake Greeson
      • Nutts
  • California
    • Napa County
      • East Mayacmas Mining District
        • Aetna Springs
      • Knoxville Mining District
        • Knoxville
    • San Benito County
      • Goat Mountain
    • San Luis Obispo County
      • Santa Lucia Mts (Santa Lucia Range)
        • Cambria-Oceanic Mining District
          • Cambria
    • San Mateo County
      • Palo Alto area
      • Portola Valley
        • El Corte de Madera Rancho
      • Redwood City
  • Colorado
    • Boulder County
      • Magnolia Mining District
  • Nevada
    • Churchill County
      • Wild Horse Mining District
        • Shoshone Creek Canyon
    • Elko County
    • Eureka County
    • Humboldt County
      • National Mining District
      • Opalite Mining District
      • Poverty Peak Mining District
    • Lander County
      • Wild Horse Mining District
    • Mineral County
      • Pilot Mountains
        • Pilot Mountains District
    • Nye County
      • Hot Creek Range
        • Tybo Mining District
      • Paradise Peak Mining District
        • Paradise Peak [summit]
          • Paradise Peak [town]
    • Pershing County
      • Antelope Springs Mining District
      • Humboldt Range
        • Spring Valley Mining District
    • Storey County
      • Castle Peak Mining District
    • Washoe County
      • Lone Pine Mining District
  • New Mexico
    • Socorro County
  • Oregon
    • Jefferson County
      • Horse Heaven Mining District
    • Malheur County
  • Texas
    • Brewster County
 
Mineral and/or Locality  
Mindat Discussions Facebook Logo Instagram Logo Discord Logo
Mindat.org is an outreach project of the Hudson Institute of Mineralogy, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization.
Copyright © mindat.org and the Hudson Institute of Mineralogy 1993-2024, except where stated. Most political location boundaries are © OpenStreetMap contributors. Mindat.org relies on the contributions of thousands of members and supporters. Founded in 2000 by Jolyon Ralph.
Privacy Policy - Terms & Conditions - Contact Us / DMCA issues - Report a bug/vulnerability Current server date and time: April 23, 2024 17:15:13 Page updated: October 13, 2023 08:25:53
Go to top of page