Pharmacolite
A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered
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About Pharmacolite
Formula:
Ca(HAsO4) · 2H2O
Colour:
White or colorless, grayish white; colorless in transmitted light.
Lustre:
Sub-Vitreous, Pearly
Hardness:
2 - 2½
Specific Gravity:
2.53 - 2.73
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Member of:
Name:
Named by Dietrich Ludwig Gustav Karsten in 1800 from the Greek φάρμακον ("pharmakon"), a substance with potent properties, a poison (but may also mean a drug or medicine; cf. pharmacy, pharmaceutical etc.), in allusion to its composition, containing arsenic.
The arsenate analogue of brushite.
Pharmacolite may be visually very similar to fresh (undehydrated) ferrarisite.
Structurally related to gypsum. Not structurally related to picropharmacolite with whom it is often associated.
Pharmacolite may be visually very similar to fresh (undehydrated) ferrarisite.
Structurally related to gypsum. Not structurally related to picropharmacolite with whom it is often associated.
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
3184
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:3184:0
GUID
(UUID V4):
(UUID V4):
53bdf325-c1c3-4b14-bc09-9c8eaffc2953
IMA Classification of Pharmacolite
Approved, 'Grandfathered' (first described prior to 1959)
IMA Formula:
Ca(AsO3OH) · 2H2O
Classification of Pharmacolite
8.CJ.50
8 : PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, VANADATES
C : Phosphates without additional anions, with H2O
J : With only large cations
8 : PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, VANADATES
C : Phosphates without additional anions, with H2O
J : With only large cations
39.1.1.2
39 : HYDRATED ACID PHOSPHATES,ARSENATES AND VANADATES
1 : A[HXO4]·xH2O
39 : HYDRATED ACID PHOSPHATES,ARSENATES AND VANADATES
1 : A[HXO4]·xH2O
20.2.8
20 : Arsenates (also arsenates with phosphate, but without other anions)
2 : Arsenates of Be, Mg, Ca or Ba
20 : Arsenates (also arsenates with phosphate, but without other anions)
2 : Arsenates of Be, Mg, Ca or Ba
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Pmc | 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 Pharmacolite
Sub-Vitreous, Pearly
Transparency:
Transparent, Translucent
Comment:
Luster pearly on cleavage.
Colour:
White or colorless, grayish white; colorless in transmitted light.
Streak:
White
Hardness:
2 - 2½ on Mohs scale
Tenacity:
Brittle
Cleavage:
Perfect
On {010}, perfect.
On {010}, perfect.
Fracture:
Irregular/Uneven
Density:
2.53 - 2.73 g/cm3 (Measured) 2.73 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Comment:
2.710 ± 0.010 (artificial material)
Optical Data of Pharmacolite
Type:
Biaxial (-)
RI values:
nα = 1.580 - 1.583 nβ = 1.589 - 1.590 nγ = 1.590 - 1.594
2V:
Measured: 77° , Calculated: 84°
Birefringence:
0.010
Max Birefringence:
δ = 0.010 - 0.011
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:
Moderate
Dispersion:
r > v
Optical Extinction:
Z=b; X ^ c = 29°
Pleochroism:
Non-pleochroic
Chemistry of Pharmacolite
Mindat Formula:
Ca(HAsO4) · 2H2O
Elements listed:
Crystallography of Pharmacolite
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Class (H-M):
m - Domatic
Cell Parameters:
a = 5.9745 Å, b = 15.4340 Å, c = 6.2797 Å
β = 114.83°
β = 114.83°
Ratio:
a:b:c = 0.387 : 1 : 0.407
Unit Cell V:
525.52 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
4
Morphology:
Crystals tiny, rare, flattened on {010} or needle-like [001]. Silky fibrous; acicular clusters; botryoidal and stalactitic.
Comment:
Space group Ia (non-standard setting). If Z = 8, there is a similarity to krautite. Another setting is C-centered: a ~ 6.59, b ~ 15.43, c ~ 5.98 Å, β ~ 120.3°.
Crystal Structure
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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) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0009386 | Pharmacolite | Ferraris G, Jones D W, Yerkess J (1971) Determination of hydrogen atom positions in the crystal structure of pharmacolite, CaHAsO4(H2O)2, by neutron diffraction Acta Crystallographica B27 349-354 |  | 1971 | Andreasberg, Harz Mts, Lower Saxony, Germany | 0 | 293 |
CIF Raw Data - click here to close
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 7.7 Å | (90) |
| 5.3 Å | (20) |
| 5.1 Å | (70) |
| 4.3 Å | (100) |
| 4.01 Å | (10) |
| 3.84 Å | (20) |
| 3.70 Å | (10) |
| 3.08 Å | (80) |
| 3.05 Å | (20) |
| 3.02 Å | (80) |
| 2.92 Å | (20) |
| 2.84 Å | (20) |
| 2.70 Å | (90) |
| 2.66 Å | (90) |
| 2.56 Å | (40) |
| 2.48 Å | (50) |
| 2.43 Å | (50) |
| 2.30 Å | (10) |
| 2.21 Å | (40) |
| 2.18 Å | (10) |
| 2.13 Å | (10) |
| 2.00 Å | (40) |
| 1.98 Å | (1) |
| 1.96 Å | (10) |
| 1.92 Å | (50) |
| 1.908 Å | (40) |
| 1.901 Å | (50) |
| 1.857 Å | (50) |
| 1.829 Å | (50) |
| 1.812 Å | (50) |
| 1.752 Å | (50) |
| 1.668 Å | (20) |
| 1.658 Å | (10) |
| 1.640 Å | (10) |
| 1.614 Å | (10) |
| 1.605 Å | (40) |
| 1.588 Å | (10) |
| 1.564 Å | (40) |
| 1.553 Å | (20) |
| 1.538 Å | (10) |
| 1.521 Å | (10) |
| 1.506 Å | (10) |
| 1.468 Å | (40) |
| 1.432 Å | (10) |
Comments:
ICDD 25-138
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| Stage 7: Great Oxidation Event | <2.4 |
| 47a : [Near-surface hydration of prior minerals] | |
| 47d : [Arsenates, antimonates, selenates, bismuthinates] | |
| Stage 10b: Anthropogenic minerals | <10 Ka |
| 55 : Anthropogenic mine minerals |
Geological Setting:
Oxidized zones of arsenical ore deposits.
Type Occurrence of Pharmacolite
Geological Setting of Type Material:
Found on oxidized arsenic ores; may be post-mining.
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
Synonyms of Pharmacolite
Arsenblüte (in part)
Arsenicite (in part)
Other Language Names for Pharmacolite
German:Pharmakolith
Arsenicit
Arsenikbluethe
Arsenikblüte
Arseniksaurer Kalk
Parmakit
Pharmacolit
Arsenikblüthe (in part)
Arsenicit
Arsenikbluethe
Arsenikblüte
Arseniksaurer Kalk
Parmakit
Pharmacolit
Arsenikblüthe (in part)
Italian:Farmacolite
Russian:Фармаколит
Spanish:Arsenicita
Relationship of Pharmacolite to other Species
Member of:
Other Members of this group:
| Brushite | Ca(PO3OH) · 2H2O | Mon. m : Bb |
| Churchite-(Y) | Y(PO4) · 2H2O | Mon. 2/m : B2/b |
| Gypsum | CaSO4 · 2H2O | Mon. 2/m |
Common Associates
Associated Minerals Based on Photo Data:
| 26 photos of Pharmacolite associated with Realgar | As4S4 |
| 19 photos of Pharmacolite associated with Picropharmacolite | Ca4Mg(AsO4)2(HAsO4)2 · 11H2O |
| 18 photos of Pharmacolite associated with Calcite | CaCO3 |
| 12 photos of Pharmacolite associated with Arsenic | As |
| 11 photos of Pharmacolite associated with Limonite | |
| 10 photos of Pharmacolite associated with Galena | PbS |
| 10 photos of Pharmacolite associated with Orpiment | As2S3 |
| 7 photos of Pharmacolite associated with Haidingerite | CaHAsO4 · H2O |
| 7 photos of Pharmacolite associated with Erythrite | Co3(AsO4)2 · 8H2O |
| 7 photos of Pharmacolite associated with Guérinite | Ca6(HAsO4)3(AsO4)2 · 10.5H2O |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 8.CJ. | Sainfeldite | Ca5(AsO4)2(AsO3OH)2 · 4H2O |
| 8.CJ. | Caesiumpharmacosiderite | CsFe4[(AsO4)3(OH)4] · 4H2O |
| 8.CJ. | Jeankempite | Ca5(AsO4)2(HAsO4)2 · 7H2O |
| 8.CJ. | Airdite | Sr(V4+O)2(PO4)2 · 4H2O |
| 8.CJ. | Dobšináite | Ca2Ca(AsO4)2 · 2H2O |
| 8.CJ.05 | Stercorite | (NH4)Na(PO3OH) · 4H2O |
| 8.CJ.10 | Mundrabillaite | (NH4)2Ca(PO3OH)2 · H2O |
| 8.CJ.10 | Swaknoite | (NH4)2Ca(PO3OH)2 · H2O |
| 8.CJ.15 | Nabaphite | NaBaPO4 · 9H2O |
| 8.CJ.15 | Nastrophite | Na(Sr,Ba)PO4 · 9H2O |
| 8.CJ.20 | Haidingerite | CaHAsO4 · H2O |
| 8.CJ.25 | Vladimirite | Ca4(AsO4)2(AsO3OH) · 4H2O |
| 8.CJ.25 | Rhabdophane-(Y) | YPO4 · H2O |
| 8.CJ.27 | Churchite-(Dy) | (Dy,Sm,Gd,Nd)PO4 · 2H2O |
| 8.CJ.30 | Ferrarisite | Ca5(AsO4)2(HAsO4)2 · 9H2O |
| 8.CJ.35 | Machatschkiite | (Ca,Na)6(AsO4)(HAsO4)3(PO4,SO4) · 15H2O |
| 8.CJ.35 | Fulbrightite | Ca(VO)2(AsO4)2 · 4H2O |
| 8.CJ.40 | Phaunouxite | Ca3(AsO4)2 · 11H2O |
| 8.CJ.40 | Rauenthalite | Ca3(AsO4)2 · 10H2O |
| 8.CJ.45 | Brockite | (Ca,Th,Ce)PO4 · H2O |
| 8.CJ.45 | Grayite | (Th,Pb,Ca)(PO4) · H2O |
| 8.CJ.45 | Rhabdophane-(Ce) | Ce(PO4) · 0.6H2O |
| 8.CJ.45 | Rhabdophane-(La) | La(PO4) · H2O |
| 8.CJ.45 | Rhabdophane-(Nd) | Nd(PO4) · H2O |
| 8.CJ.45 | Tristramite | (Ca,U,Fe)(PO4,SO4) · 2H2O |
| 8.CJ.45 | Smirnovskite | (Th,Ca)PO4 · nH2O |
| 8.CJ.45 | Štěpite | U(AsO3OH)2 · 4H2O |
| 8.CJ.47 | Vysokýite | U4+[AsO2(OH)2]4 · 4H2O |
| 8.CJ.50 | Ardealite | Ca2(PO3OH)(SO4) · 4H2O |
| 8.CJ.50 | Brushite | Ca(PO3OH) · 2H2O |
| 8.CJ.50 | Churchite-(Y) | Y(PO4) · 2H2O |
| 8.CJ.50 | Churchite-(Nd) | Nd(PO4) · 2H2O |
| 8.CJ.55 | Mcnearite | NaCa5(AsO4)(HAsO4)4 · 4H2O |
| 8.CJ.60 | Dorfmanite | Na2(PO3OH) · 2H2O |
| 8.CJ.65 | Sincosite | Ca(VO)2(PO4)2 · 5H2O |
| 8.CJ.65 | Bariosincosite | Ba(VO)2(PO4)2 · 4H2O |
| 8.CJ.70 | Catalanoite | Na2(PO3OH) · 8H2O |
| 8.CJ.75 | Guérinite | Ca6(HAsO4)3(AsO4)2 · 10.5H2O |
| 8.CJ.85 | Ningyoite | (U,Ca,Ce)2(PO4)2 · 1-2H2O |
Fluorescence of Pharmacolite
May be fluorescent pale blue in SW UV
Other Information
Notes:
Flexible in thin lamellae. Readily soluble in acids; insoluble in water. Dehydrates rapidly at 60°C to haidingerite.
Health Risks:
This is a potentially dangerous mineral. Contains arsenic. Handle minimally and carefully. Do not lick or taste, do not breathe dust, wash hands thoroughly after handling.
Internet Links for Pharmacolite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-3184.html
Please feel free to link to this page.
Please feel free to link to this page.
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External Links:
Mineral Dealers:
References for Pharmacolite
Reference List:
Klaproth, M. H. (1802) Untersuchung des Pharmakoliths. In Beiträge zur chemischen Kenntniss der Mineralkörper Vol. 3. Rottmann, Berlin. p.277-281.
Des Cloizeaux, Alfred (1888) Note sur les caractères optiques de la pharmacolite. Bulletin de Minéralogie, 11 (4) 192-195 doi:10.3406/bulmi.1888.3182
Pierrot, Roland (1964) Contribution à la minéralogie des arséniates calciques et calcomagnésiens naturels. Bulletin de Minéralogie, 87 (2) 169-211 doi:10.3406/bulmi.1964.5727
Ferraris, G. (1969) The crystal structure of pharmacolite, CaH(AsO4)·2H2O. Acta Crystallographica Section B Structural Crystallography and Crystal Chemistry, 25 (8) 1544-1550 doi:10.1107/s0567740869004304
Ferraris, G., Jones, D. W., Yerkess, J. (1971) Determination of hydrogen atom positions in the crystal structure of pharmacolite, CaHAsO4·2H2O, by neutron diffraction. Acta Crystallographica Section B Structural Crystallography and Crystal Chemistry, 27 (2) 349-354 doi:10.1107/s0567740871002206
Catti, M., Ferraris, G. (1973) Hydrogen bonding in the crystalline state. Crystal structure of CaHAsO4·3H2O. Acta Crystallographica Section B Structural Crystallography and Crystal Chemistry, 29 (1) 90-96 doi:10.1107/s0567740873002025
Catti, Michele, Franchini-Angela, Marinella (1979) Krautite, Mn(H2O)(AsO3OH): crystal structure, hydrogen bonding and relations with haidingerite and pharmacolite. American Mineralogist, 64 (11-12) 1248-1254
Frost, Ray L., Bahfenne, Silmarilly, Čejka, Jiří, Sejkora, Jiří, Plášil, Jakub, Palmer, Sara J. (2010) Raman spectroscopic study of the hydrogen-arsenate mineral pharmacolite Ca(AsO3OH)·2H2O-implications for aquifer and sediment remediation. Journal of Raman Spectroscopy, 41 (10) 1348-1352 doi:10.1002/jrs.2556
Localities for Pharmacolite
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.
Albania | |
| inferences on processes of formation. The Canadian Mineralogist (April 2003) +1 other reference |
Australia | |
| Ashley et al. (1999) |
| Peter Andersen collection. |
Austria | |
| Strasser (1989) |
| E. Fugger: "Die Mineralien des Herzogthumes Salzburg" (1878) |
| Strasser (1989) |
| Niedermayr et al. (2009) | |
| Strasser (1989) |
| Hatle et al. (1887) |
Canada | |
| Garske (n.d.) |
| Mauthner (1996) |
| |
| Reiner Mielke 2012 |
| Percival | |
Chile | |
| Raman Spectroscopy and SEM-EDS by Joy ... |
China | |
| Zhu et al. (2015) +1 other reference |
Czech Republic | |
| Ondruš et al. (1989) |
| Plášil |
| Plášil J. et al. (2008) | |
| Palache et al. (1951) |
| Dr. Jan Hlousek label +1 other reference | |
| Beran (Ag, Au, Co) +2 other references |
| Novák et al. (2004) |
| Tvrdý +1 other reference |
| |
| Hyrsl et al. (2009) | |
| Řídkošil |
France | |
| P&T N°23-24 et al. (Haut-Rhin) |
| Wittern +1 other reference |
| Bari (1982) +1 other reference | |
| This mine worked the same vein as Gabe ... +2 other references | |
| Wittern |
| Wittern et al. (Cologne) +1 other reference |
| Queneau (n.d.) |
| Pélisson et al. (1987) |
| [Le Cahier des Micromonteurs |
| Cuchet (2000) |
Germany | |
| Walenta (1992) |
| Weiß (1990) |
| Palache et al. (1951) +3 other references |
| |
| |
| Weiß (1990) |
| [Lapis 1992 |
| |
| Erzgräber 1987 (2) | |
| see locality page |
| Nickel et al. (1985) |
| Weiß (1990) |
| Nickel et al. (1985) |
| Palache et al. (1951) |
| Weiß (1990) |
| Christophe Boutry collection | |
| Schnorrer-Köhler (1988) | |
| Palache et al. (1951) |
| Weiß (1990) |
| 54 (in German) +1 other reference |
| Weiß (1990) |
| Weiß (1990) |
| Gerhard Müller: Bergbau-PSL-Mineralogie et al. (Saarbrücken 1996) |
| Lapis 17 (12) |
| Möhn et al. (07/2020) |
| Vollstädt et al. (1991) |
| Bergbau und Mineralien von Antonsthal im Erzgebirge et al. (in German) +1 other reference |
| Wittern (2001) |
| Wittern (2001) | |
| Hajek (2010) |
| Wittern (2001) | |
| www.dergraul.de (2001) |
| Lapis 30 (7/8) |
| collection H.J. Haas |
| Wittern (2001) | |
| T. Witzke & F. Rüger: Lapis 1998 (7/8) |
| Wittern (2001) |
| |
Greece | |
| Blaß et al. (1998) +1 other reference |
| Fritz Schreiber collection +2 other references | |
Iran | |
| Bariand et al. (1993) |
Ireland | |
| Stephen Moreton Collection |
Italy | |
| |
| Bedognè et al. (2006) |
| Campostrini (2001) |
| Stara et al. (1996) |
| Stara et al. (1996) |
Japan | |
| OHNISHI et al. (2013) |
Kazakhstan | |
| Evseev (1995) +1 other reference |
| Pavel.M. Kartashov (n.d.) | |
Malaysia | |
| Breward et al. (1994) |
Mexico | |
| Palache et al. (1951) +1 other reference |
Morocco | |
| Favreau et al. (2006) |
| Favreau et al. (2006) |
| Favreau et al. (2007) |
| Favreau et al. (2006) | |
| Favreau et al. (2006) | |
| Favreau et al. (2006) |
North Macedonia | |
| Rieck (1993) +3 other references |
| Hiessleitner (1951) |
Poland | |
| Ciesielczuk et al. (2003) |
| Rob Lavinsky specimen |
Portugal | |
| Pedro Alves collection |
Romania | |
| U. Kolitsch (PXRD + EDS) |
| Koller G.2009 |
Russia | |
| Pekov I.V. et al. (2010) +1 other reference |
Slovakia | |
| Koděra (1986) |
| Tóth M. et al. (in Hungarian) |
Spain | |
| Julio Alberto Cendon Martinez |
| López (n.d.) |
| Manuel Echevarria Rodriguez collection |
| Mineralogistes de Catalunya (2/3) |
| |
| |
Switzerland | |
| Bedognè et al. (2006) |
| Analyses by N. Meisser (XRD - MGL, Lausanne) +1 other reference |
| Stalder et al. (1998) +1 other reference |
UK | |
| Day (1999) |
USA | |
| Irelan et al. (1890a) +2 other references |
| Kampf et al. (2017) |
| [Mineralogical Record - Vol 23 No. 2] |
| Castor et al. (2004) |
| - (2005) |
| Castor et al. (2004) | |
| - (2005) | |
| - (2005) | |
| - (2005) | |
| - (2005) | |
| Palache et al. (1951) +1 other reference |
| Castor et al. (2004) |
| Dunn (1995) |
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Dealul Crucii adit, Baia Sprie, Maramureș County, Romania