Ruatapu Cave (Alum Cave), Orakeikorako Thermal Area (Orakei Korako; The Hidden Valley), Taupo District, Waikato Region, New Zealandi
| Regional Level Types | |
|---|---|
| Ruatapu Cave (Alum Cave) | Cave |
| Orakeikorako Thermal Area (Orakei Korako; The Hidden Valley) | Area |
| Taupo District | District |
| Waikato Region | Region |
| New Zealand | Country |
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Key
Latitude & Longitude (WGS84):
38° 28' 32'' South , 176° 9' 3'' East
Latitude & Longitude (decimal):
Locality type:
Köppen climate type:
Ruatapu or "Alum" Cave is one of the few caves known to have developed within an active thermal field. The Orakei Korako thermal area is dominated by alkali-chloride alteration but the cave hosts a steaming acid-sulphate pool and a series of efflorescences and other minerals produced as a result of acid-sulphate alteration of the host rocks (tuff).
While some caves in Australiasia produces powdery minerals from the interaction of bat guano and the chemistry in the wall rocks, at Ruatapu Cave new minerals are formed from the interaction of steam condensate, heat, and the wall rock chemistry. Kaolinite, opal-A, cristobalite, alunite, alunogen dominate the assemblage near the cave mouth. As conditions change further into the cave, tamarugite and potash alum form efflorescences, with lesser alunogen, meta-alunogen, mirabilite, halotrichite, kalinite, gypsum and tschermigite. Jarosite crusts have developed where acid sulphate pools meet ignimbrite wall rock covered in once living microbial mats. Decreases in water levels causes the jarosite to alter to potash alum, akaganeite, and schwertmannite.
Sometimes marketed as Aladdins Cave.
Select Mineral List Type
Standard Detailed Strunz Dana Chemical ElementsDetailed Mineral List:
| ⓘ Akaganeite Formula: (Fe3+,Ni2+)8(OH,O)16Cl1.25 · nH2O Reference: Rod Martin, Minerals of Ruatapu Cave, Orakei Korako, Taupo Volcanic Zone. Essence of Microscope (NZ) |
| ⓘ Alunite Formula: KAl3(SO4)2(OH)6 Reference: Rod Martin, Minerals of Ruatapu Cave, Orakei Korako, Taupo Volcanic Zone. Essence of Microscope (NZ) |
| ⓘ Alunogen Formula: Al2(SO4)3 · 17H2O Reference: Rod Martin, Minerals of Ruatapu Cave, Orakei Korako, Taupo Volcanic Zone. Essence of Microscope (NZ) |
| ⓘ Cristobalite Formula: SiO2 Reference: Rodgers, KA, Hamlin, KA, Browne, P.R.L., Campbell, K.A. and Martin, R. (2000) The steam condensate mineralogy of Ruatapu Cave, Orakei Korako geothermal field, Taupo Volcanic Zone, New Zealand. Mineralogical Magazine. 64(1), 125-142. |
| ⓘ Gypsum Formula: CaSO4 · 2H2O Reference: Rod Martin, Minerals of Ruatapu Cave, Orakei Korako, Taupo Volcanic Zone. Essence of Microscope (NZ) |
| ⓘ Halite Formula: NaCl Reference: Rod Martin, Minerals of Ruatapu Cave, Orakei Korako, Taupo Volcanic Zone. Essence of Microscope (NZ) |
| ⓘ Halotrichite Formula: FeAl2(SO4)4 · 22H2O Reference: Rod Martin, Minerals of Ruatapu Cave, Orakei Korako, Taupo Volcanic Zone. Essence of Microscope (NZ) |
| ⓘ Jarosite Formula: KFe3+ 3(SO4)2(OH)6 Reference: Rod Martin, Minerals of Ruatapu Cave, Orakei Korako, Taupo Volcanic Zone. Essence of Microscope (NZ) |
| ⓘ Kalinite Formula: KAl(SO4)2 · 11H2O Reference: Rod Martin, Minerals of Ruatapu Cave, Orakei Korako, Taupo Volcanic Zone. Essence of Microscope (NZ) |
| ⓘ Kaolinite Formula: Al2(Si2O5)(OH)4 Reference: Rodgers, KA, Hamlin, KA, Browne, P.R.L., Campbell, K.A. and Martin, R. (2000) The steam condensate mineralogy of Ruatapu Cave, Orakei Korako geothermal field, Taupo Volcanic Zone, New Zealand. Mineralogical Magazine. 64(1), 125-142. |
| ⓘ Meta-alunogen Formula: Al2(SO4)3 · 12H2O Reference: Rod Martin, Minerals of Ruatapu Cave, Orakei Korako, Taupo Volcanic Zone. Essence of Microscope (NZ) |
| ⓘ Mirabilite Formula: Na2SO4 · 10H2O Reference: Rod Martin, Minerals of Ruatapu Cave, Orakei Korako, Taupo Volcanic Zone. Essence of Microscope (NZ) |
| ⓘ Natrojarosite Formula: NaFe3(SO4)2(OH)6 Reference: Rod Martin, Minerals of Ruatapu Cave, Orakei Korako, Taupo Volcanic Zone. Essence of Microscope (NZ) |
| ⓘ Opal Formula: SiO2 · nH2O Reference: Rod Martin, Minerals of Ruatapu Cave, Orakei Korako, Taupo Volcanic Zone. Essence of Microscope (NZ) |
| ⓘ Paratacamite Formula: Cu3(Cu,Zn)(OH)6Cl2 Reference: Rod Martin, Minerals of Ruatapu Cave, Orakei Korako, Taupo Volcanic Zone. Essence of Microscope (NZ) |
| ⓘ Quartz Formula: SiO2 Reference: Rod Martin, Minerals of Ruatapu Cave, Orakei Korako, Taupo Volcanic Zone. Essence of Microscope (NZ) |
| ⓘ Schwertmannite Formula: Fe3+16(OH,SO4)12-13O16 · 10-12H2O Reference: Rodgers, KA, Hamlin, KA, Browne, P.R.L., Campbell, K.A. and Martin, R. (2000) The steam condensate mineralogy of Ruatapu Cave, Orakei Korako geothermal field, Taupo Volcanic Zone, New Zealand. Mineralogical Magazine. 64(1), 125-142. |
| ⓘ Tamarugite Formula: NaAl(SO4)2 · 6H2O Reference: Rod Martin, Minerals of Ruatapu Cave, Orakei Korako, Taupo Volcanic Zone. Essence of Microscope (NZ) |
| ⓘ Tschermigite Formula: (NH4)Al(SO4)2 · 12H2O Reference: Rod Martin, Minerals of Ruatapu Cave, Orakei Korako, Taupo Volcanic Zone. Essence of Microscope (NZ) |
List of minerals arranged by Strunz 10th Edition classification
| Group 3 - Halides | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| ⓘ | Halite | 3.AA.20 | NaCl |
| ⓘ | Paratacamite | 3.DA.10c | Cu3(Cu,Zn)(OH)6Cl2 |
| Group 4 - Oxides and Hydroxides | |||
| ⓘ | Akaganeite | 4.DK.05 | (Fe3+,Ni2+)8(OH,O)16Cl1.25 · nH2O |
| ⓘ | Cristobalite | 4.DA.15 | SiO2 |
| ⓘ | Opal | 4.DA.10 | SiO2 · nH2O |
| ⓘ | Quartz | 4.DA.05 | SiO2 |
| Group 7 - Sulphates, Chromates, Molybdates and Tungstates | |||
| ⓘ | Alunite | 7.BC.10 | KAl3(SO4)2(OH)6 |
| ⓘ | Alunogen | 7.CB.45 | Al2(SO4)3 · 17H2O |
| ⓘ | Gypsum | 7.CD.40 | CaSO4 · 2H2O |
| ⓘ | Halotrichite | 7.CB.85 | FeAl2(SO4)4 · 22H2O |
| ⓘ | Jarosite | 7.BC.10 | KFe3+3(SO4)2(OH)6 |
| ⓘ | Kalinite | 7.CC.15 | KAl(SO4)2 · 11H2O |
| ⓘ | Meta-alunogen | 7.CB.45 | Al2(SO4)3 · 12H2O |
| ⓘ | Mirabilite | 7.CD.10 | Na2SO4 · 10H2O |
| ⓘ | Natrojarosite | 7.BC.10 | NaFe3(SO4)2(OH)6 |
| ⓘ | Schwertmannite | 7.DE.15 | Fe3+16(OH,SO4)12-13O16 · 10-12H2O |
| ⓘ | Tamarugite | 7.CC.10 | NaAl(SO4)2 · 6H2O |
| ⓘ | Tschermigite | 7.CC.20 | (NH4)Al(SO4)2 · 12H2O |
| Group 9 - Silicates | |||
| ⓘ | Kaolinite | 9.ED.05 | Al2(Si2O5)(OH)4 |
List of minerals arranged by Dana 8th Edition classification
| Group 6 - HYDROXIDES AND OXIDES CONTAINING HYDROXYL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| XO(OH) | |||
| ⓘ | Akaganeite | 6.1.6.1 | (Fe3+,Ni2+)8(OH,O)16Cl1.25 · nH2O |
| Miscellaneous | |||
| ⓘ | Schwertmannite | 6.4.10.1 | Fe3+16(OH,SO4)12-13O16 · 10-12H2O |
| Group 9 - NORMAL HALIDES | |||
| AX | |||
| ⓘ | Halite | 9.1.1.1 | NaCl |
| Group 10 - OXYHALIDES AND HYDROXYHALIDES | |||
| A2(O,OH)3Xq | |||
| ⓘ | Paratacamite | 10.1.2.1 | Cu3(Cu,Zn)(OH)6Cl2 |
| Group 29 - HYDRATED ACID AND NORMAL SULFATES | |||
| A2XO4·xH2O | |||
| ⓘ | Mirabilite | 29.2.2.1 | Na2SO4 · 10H2O |
| AB(XO4)2·xH2O | |||
| ⓘ | Kalinite | 29.5.4.2 | KAl(SO4)2 · 11H2O |
| ⓘ | Tamarugite | 29.5.3.1 | NaAl(SO4)2 · 6H2O |
| ⓘ | Tschermigite | 29.5.5.3 | (NH4)Al(SO4)2 · 12H2O |
| AXO4·xH2O | |||
| ⓘ | Gypsum | 29.6.3.1 | CaSO4 · 2H2O |
| AB2(XO4)4·H2O | |||
| ⓘ | Halotrichite | 29.7.3.2 | FeAl2(SO4)4 · 22H2O |
| A2(XO4)3·H2O | |||
| ⓘ | Alunogen | 29.8.6.1 | Al2(SO4)3 · 17H2O |
| ⓘ | Meta-alunogen | 29.8.7.1 | Al2(SO4)3 · 12H2O |
| Group 30 - ANHYDROUS SULFATES CONTAINING HYDROXYL OR HALOGEN | |||
| (AB)2(XO4)Zq | |||
| ⓘ | Alunite | 30.2.4.1 | KAl3(SO4)2(OH)6 |
| ⓘ | Jarosite | 30.2.5.1 | KFe3+ 3(SO4)2(OH)6 |
| Group 75 - TECTOSILICATES Si Tetrahedral Frameworks | |||
| Si Tetrahedral Frameworks - SiO2 with [4] coordinated Si | |||
| ⓘ | Cristobalite | 75.1.1.1 | SiO2 |
| ⓘ | Quartz | 75.1.3.1 | SiO2 |
| Si Tetrahedral Frameworks - SiO2 with H2O and organics | |||
| ⓘ | Opal | 75.2.1.1 | SiO2 · nH2O |
| Unclassified Minerals, Mixtures, etc. | |||
| ⓘ | Kaolinite | - | Al2(Si2O5)(OH)4 |
| ⓘ | Natrojarosite | - | NaFe3(SO4)2(OH)6 |
List of minerals for each chemical element
| H | Hydrogen | |
|---|---|---|
| H | ⓘ Akaganeite | (Fe3+,Ni2+)8(OH,O)16Cl1.25 · nH2O |
| H | ⓘ Alunite | KAl3(SO4)2(OH)6 |
| H | ⓘ Alunogen | Al2(SO4)3 · 17H2O |
| H | ⓘ Meta-alunogen | Al2(SO4)3 · 12H2O |
| H | ⓘ Gypsum | CaSO4 · 2H2O |
| H | ⓘ Halotrichite | FeAl2(SO4)4 · 22H2O |
| H | ⓘ Jarosite | KFe3+ 3(SO4)2(OH)6 |
| H | ⓘ Kalinite | KAl(SO4)2 · 11H2O |
| H | ⓘ Mirabilite | Na2SO4 · 10H2O |
| H | ⓘ Opal | SiO2 · nH2O |
| H | ⓘ Natrojarosite | NaFe3(SO4)2(OH)6 |
| H | ⓘ Paratacamite | Cu3(Cu,Zn)(OH)6Cl2 |
| H | ⓘ Tamarugite | NaAl(SO4)2 · 6H2O |
| H | ⓘ Tschermigite | (NH4)Al(SO4)2 · 12H2O |
| H | ⓘ Schwertmannite | Fe163+(OH,SO4)12-13O16 · 10-12H2O |
| H | ⓘ Kaolinite | Al2(Si2O5)(OH)4 |
| N | Nitrogen | |
| N | ⓘ Tschermigite | (NH4)Al(SO4)2 · 12H2O |
| O | Oxygen | |
| O | ⓘ Akaganeite | (Fe3+,Ni2+)8(OH,O)16Cl1.25 · nH2O |
| O | ⓘ Alunite | KAl3(SO4)2(OH)6 |
| O | ⓘ Alunogen | Al2(SO4)3 · 17H2O |
| O | ⓘ Meta-alunogen | Al2(SO4)3 · 12H2O |
| O | ⓘ Gypsum | CaSO4 · 2H2O |
| O | ⓘ Halotrichite | FeAl2(SO4)4 · 22H2O |
| O | ⓘ Jarosite | KFe3+ 3(SO4)2(OH)6 |
| O | ⓘ Kalinite | KAl(SO4)2 · 11H2O |
| O | ⓘ Mirabilite | Na2SO4 · 10H2O |
| O | ⓘ Opal | SiO2 · nH2O |
| O | ⓘ Natrojarosite | NaFe3(SO4)2(OH)6 |
| O | ⓘ Paratacamite | Cu3(Cu,Zn)(OH)6Cl2 |
| O | ⓘ Tamarugite | NaAl(SO4)2 · 6H2O |
| O | ⓘ Quartz | SiO2 |
| O | ⓘ Tschermigite | (NH4)Al(SO4)2 · 12H2O |
| O | ⓘ Schwertmannite | Fe163+(OH,SO4)12-13O16 · 10-12H2O |
| O | ⓘ Cristobalite | SiO2 |
| O | ⓘ Kaolinite | Al2(Si2O5)(OH)4 |
| Na | Sodium | |
| Na | ⓘ Halite | NaCl |
| Na | ⓘ Mirabilite | Na2SO4 · 10H2O |
| Na | ⓘ Natrojarosite | NaFe3(SO4)2(OH)6 |
| Na | ⓘ Tamarugite | NaAl(SO4)2 · 6H2O |
| Al | Aluminium | |
| Al | ⓘ Alunite | KAl3(SO4)2(OH)6 |
| Al | ⓘ Alunogen | Al2(SO4)3 · 17H2O |
| Al | ⓘ Meta-alunogen | Al2(SO4)3 · 12H2O |
| Al | ⓘ Halotrichite | FeAl2(SO4)4 · 22H2O |
| Al | ⓘ Kalinite | KAl(SO4)2 · 11H2O |
| Al | ⓘ Tamarugite | NaAl(SO4)2 · 6H2O |
| Al | ⓘ Tschermigite | (NH4)Al(SO4)2 · 12H2O |
| Al | ⓘ Kaolinite | Al2(Si2O5)(OH)4 |
| Si | Silicon | |
| Si | ⓘ Opal | SiO2 · nH2O |
| Si | ⓘ Quartz | SiO2 |
| Si | ⓘ Cristobalite | SiO2 |
| Si | ⓘ Kaolinite | Al2(Si2O5)(OH)4 |
| S | Sulfur | |
| S | ⓘ Alunite | KAl3(SO4)2(OH)6 |
| S | ⓘ Alunogen | Al2(SO4)3 · 17H2O |
| S | ⓘ Meta-alunogen | Al2(SO4)3 · 12H2O |
| S | ⓘ Gypsum | CaSO4 · 2H2O |
| S | ⓘ Halotrichite | FeAl2(SO4)4 · 22H2O |
| S | ⓘ Jarosite | KFe3+ 3(SO4)2(OH)6 |
| S | ⓘ Kalinite | KAl(SO4)2 · 11H2O |
| S | ⓘ Mirabilite | Na2SO4 · 10H2O |
| S | ⓘ Natrojarosite | NaFe3(SO4)2(OH)6 |
| S | ⓘ Tamarugite | NaAl(SO4)2 · 6H2O |
| S | ⓘ Tschermigite | (NH4)Al(SO4)2 · 12H2O |
| S | ⓘ Schwertmannite | Fe163+(OH,SO4)12-13O16 · 10-12H2O |
| Cl | Chlorine | |
| Cl | ⓘ Akaganeite | (Fe3+,Ni2+)8(OH,O)16Cl1.25 · nH2O |
| Cl | ⓘ Halite | NaCl |
| Cl | ⓘ Paratacamite | Cu3(Cu,Zn)(OH)6Cl2 |
| K | Potassium | |
| K | ⓘ Alunite | KAl3(SO4)2(OH)6 |
| K | ⓘ Jarosite | KFe3+ 3(SO4)2(OH)6 |
| K | ⓘ Kalinite | KAl(SO4)2 · 11H2O |
| Ca | Calcium | |
| Ca | ⓘ Gypsum | CaSO4 · 2H2O |
| Fe | Iron | |
| Fe | ⓘ Akaganeite | (Fe3+,Ni2+)8(OH,O)16Cl1.25 · nH2O |
| Fe | ⓘ Halotrichite | FeAl2(SO4)4 · 22H2O |
| Fe | ⓘ Jarosite | KFe3+ 3(SO4)2(OH)6 |
| Fe | ⓘ Natrojarosite | NaFe3(SO4)2(OH)6 |
| Fe | ⓘ Schwertmannite | Fe163+(OH,SO4)12-13O16 · 10-12H2O |
| Ni | Nickel | |
| Ni | ⓘ Akaganeite | (Fe3+,Ni2+)8(OH,O)16Cl1.25 · nH2O |
| Cu | Copper | |
| Cu | ⓘ Paratacamite | Cu3(Cu,Zn)(OH)6Cl2 |
| Zn | Zinc | |
| Zn | ⓘ Paratacamite | Cu3(Cu,Zn)(OH)6Cl2 |
References
Sort by
Year (asc) Year (desc) Author (A-Z) Author (Z-A)Rod Martin, Minerals of Ruatapu Cave, Orakei Korako, Taupo Volcanic Zone. Essence of Microscope (NZ).
Cody, A. D., (1978) Ruatapu Cave, Orakei Korako. New Zealand Speleological Bulletin. 6, 184-187.
Rodgers, KA, Hamlin, KA, Browne, P.R.L., Campbell, K.A. and Martin, R. (2000) The steam condensate mineralogy of Ruatapu Cave, Orakei Korako geothermal field, Taupo Volcanic Zone, New Zealand. Mineralogical Magazine. 64(1), 125-142.
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Ruatapu Cave, Orakeikorako Thermal Area, Taupo District, Waikato Region, New Zealand