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The crystal structure of montanite has been determined using single-crystal X-ray diffraction on a synthetic sample, supported by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), electron microprobe analysis (EPMA) and thermogravimetric analyses (TGA). Montanite was first described in 1868 as Bi2TeO6·nH2O (n = 1 or 2). The determination of the crystal structure of synthetic montanite (refined composition Bi2TeO6·0.22H2O) has led to the reassignment of the formula to Bi2TeO6·nH2O where 0 ≤ n ≤ 2 / 3 rather than the commonly reported Bi2TeO6·2H2O. This change has been accepted by the IMA–CNMNC, Proposal 22-A. The PXRD pattern simulated from the crystal structure of synthetic montanite is a satisfactory match for PXRD scans collected on both historical and recent natural samples, showing their equivalence. Two specimens attributed to the original discoverer of montanite (Frederick A. Genth) from the cotype localities (Highland Mining District, Montana and David Beck's mine, North Carolina, USA) have been designated as neotypes. Montanite crystallises in space group P 6 ¯ , with the unit-cell parameters a = 9.1195(14) Å, c = 5.5694(8) Å, V = 401.13(14) Å3, and three formula units in the unit cell. The crystal structure of montanite is formed from a framework of BiOn and TeO6 polyhedra. Half of the Bi3+ and all of the Te6+ cations are coordinated by six oxygen atoms in trigonal-prismatic arrangements (the first example of this configuration reported for Te6+), while the remaining Bi3+ cations are coordinated by seven O sites. The H2O groups in montanite are structurally incorporated into the network of cavities formed by the three-dimensional framework, with other cavity space occupied by the stereoactive 6s2 lone pair of Bi3+ cations. While evidence for a supercell was observed in synthetic montanite, the subcell refinement of montanite adequately indexes all reflections in the PXRD patterns observed in all natural montanite samples analysed in this study, verifying the identity of montanite as a mineral. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The new mineral flaggite (IMA2021-044), Pb4Cu2+4Te6+2(SO4)2O11(OH)2(H2O), occurs at the Grand Central mine in the Tombstone district, Cochise County, Arizona, USA, in cavities in quartz matrix in association with alunite, backite, cerussite, jarosite and rodalquilarite. Flaggite crystals are lime-green to yellow-green tablets, up to 0.5 mm across. The mineral has a very pale green streak and adamantine lustre. It is brittle with irregular fracture and a Mohs hardness of ~3. It has one excellent cleavage on {010}. The calculated density is 6.137 g cm–3. Optically, the mineral is biaxial (+) with α = 1.95(1), β = 1.96(1), γ = 2.00(1) (white light); 2V = 54(2)°; pleochroism: X green, Y light yellow green, Z nearly colourless; X > Y > Z. The Raman spectrum exhibits bands consistent with TeO6 and SO4. Electron microprobe analysis provided the empirical formula Pb3.88Cu2+3.89Te6+2.08(SO4)2O11(OH)2(H2O) (–0.03 H). Flaggite is triclinic, P1, a = 9.5610(2), b = 9.9755(2), c = 10.4449(3) Å, α = 74.884(1), β = 89.994(1), γ = 78.219(1)°, V = 939.97(4) Å3 and Z = 2. The structure of flaggite (R1 = 0.0342 for 5936 I > 2σI) contains hexagonal-close-packed, stair-step-like layers comprising TeO6 octahedra and Jahn-Teller distorted CuO6 octahedra. The layers in the structure of flaggite are very similar to those in bairdite, timroseite and paratimroseite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synthetic and naturally occurring forms of tricopper orthotellurate, CuII3TeVIO6 (the mineral mcalpineite) have been investigated by 3D electron diffraction (3D ED), X‐ray powder diffraction (XRPD), Raman and infrared (IR) spectroscopic measurements. As a result of the diffraction analyses, CuII3TeVIO6 is shown to occur in two polytypes. The higher‐symmetric CuII3TeVIO6‐1C polytype is cubic, space group Ia3, with a = 9.537 (1) Å and V = 867.4 (3) Å3 as reported in previous studies. The 1C polytype is a well characterized structure consisting of alternating layers of CuIIO6 octahedra and both CuIIO6 and TeVIO6 octahedra in a patchwork arrangement. The structure of the lower‐symmetric orthorhombic CuII3TeVIO6‐2O polytype was determined for the first time in this study by 3D ED and verified by Rietveld refinement. The 2O polytype crystallizes in space group Pcca, with a = 9.745 (3) Å, b = 9.749 (2) Å, c = 9.771 (2) Å and V = 928.3 (4) Å3. High‐precision XRPD data were also collected on CuII3TeVIO6‐2O to verify the lower‐symmetric structure by performing a Rietveld refinement. The resultant structure is identical to that determined by 3D ED, with unit‐cell parameters a = 9.56157 (19) Å, b = 9.55853 (11) Å, c = 9.62891 (15) Å and V = 880.03 (2) Å3. The lower symmetry of the 2O polytype is a consequence of a different cation ordering arrangement, which involves the movement of every second CuIIO6 and TeVIO6 octahedral layer by (1/4, 1/4, 0), leading to an offset of TeVIO6 and CuIIO6 octahedra in every second layer giving an ABAB* stacking arrangement. Syntheses of CuII3TeVIO6 showed that low‐temperature (473 K) hydrothermal conditions generally produce the 2O polytype. XRPD measurements in combination with Raman spectroscopic analysis showed that most natural mcalpineite is the orthorhombic 2O polytype. Both XRPD and Raman spectroscopy measurements may be used to differentiate between the two polytypes of CuII3TeVIO6. In Raman spectroscopy, CuII3TeVIO6‐1C has a single strong band around 730 cm−1, whereas CuII3TeVIO6‐2O shows a broad double maximum with bands centred around 692 and 742 cm−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synthetic and naturally occurring forms of tricopper orthotellurate, CuII3TeVIO6 (the mineral mcalpineite) have been investigated by 3D electron diffraction (3D ED), X‐ray powder diffraction (XRPD), Raman and infrared (IR) spectroscopic measurements. As a result of the diffraction analyses, CuII3TeVIO6 is shown to occur in two polytypes. The higher‐symmetric CuII3TeVIO6‐1C polytype is cubic, space group Ia3, with a = 9.537 (1) Å and V = 867.4 (3) Å3 as reported in previous studies. The 1C polytype is a well characterized structure consisting of alternating layers of CuIIO6 octahedra and both CuIIO6 and TeVIO6 octahedra in a patchwork arrangement. The structure of the lower‐symmetric orthorhombic CuII3TeVIO6‐2O polytype was determined for the first time in this study by 3D ED and verified by Rietveld refinement. The 2O polytype crystallizes in space group Pcca, with a = 9.745 (3) Å, b = 9.749 (2) Å, c = 9.771 (2) Å and V = 928.3 (4) Å3. High‐precision XRPD data were also collected on CuII3TeVIO6‐2O to verify the lower‐symmetric structure by performing a Rietveld refinement. The resultant structure is identical to that determined by 3D ED, with unit‐cell parameters a = 9.56157 (19) Å, b = 9.55853 (11) Å, c = 9.62891 (15) Å and V = 880.03 (2) Å3. The lower symmetry of the 2O polytype is a consequence of a different cation ordering arrangement, which involves the movement of every second CuIIO6 and TeVIO6 octahedral layer by (1/4, 1/4, 0), leading to an offset of TeVIO6 and CuIIO6 octahedra in every second layer giving an ABAB* stacking arrangement. Syntheses of CuII3TeVIO6 showed that low‐temperature (473 K) hydrothermal conditions generally produce the 2O polytype. XRPD measurements in combination with Raman spectroscopic analysis showed that most natural mcalpineite is the orthorhombic 2O polytype. Both XRPD and Raman spectroscopy measurements may be used to differentiate between the two polytypes of CuII3TeVIO6. In Raman spectroscopy, CuII3TeVIO6‐1C has a single strong band around 730 cm−1, whereas CuII3TeVIO6‐2O shows a broad double maximum with bands centred around 692 and 742 cm−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An unusually diverse array of 25 secondary Te oxysalt minerals has been documented from Otto Mountain, California, and 18 of these from the Bird Nest drift sublocality. A paragenetic sequence for these minerals is proposed, using observed overgrowth relationships plus spatial association data and data from other localities. Apart from Te and O, the components Pb, Cu and H are essential in the majority of the minerals. The atomic Cu/Te ratio decreases through the paragenetic sequence. This, and the occurrence of minerals with additional components such as Cl-, CO2-3 , SO2-4 and Fe3+ at an intermediate stage, suggests nonmonotonic evolution of the parent fluids, reflecting differing access to or spatial distribution of various components. For the minerals with known crystal structures, two alternative 'structural units' were identified, one consisting only of the Te4+ or Te6+ oxyanion, while the other also included small, strongly-bound cations such as Cu2+. The degree of polymerization for the Te oxyanion correlated with the paragenetic sequence: the monomeric tellurate anions of early minerals were replaced progressively by dimers, chains and sheet structures, which may relate to a decreasing abundance of the 'network modifying' Cu2+ cation, analogous to Bowen's discontinuous reaction series in igneous rock-forming silicates. No relationship was seen between paragenetic order and the larger type of structural unit, or structural complexity as defined by information content. This contrasts with results in the literature for evaporite sulfates and pegmatite phosphates. While structure-paragenesis relationships may be widespread, the exact nature of such relationships may be different for different chemical systems and different paragenetic environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eckhardite, (Ca, Pb)Cu2+Te6+O5(H2O), is a new tellurate mineral from Otto Mountain near Baker, California, U.S.A. It occurs in vugs in quartz in association with Br-rich chlorargyrite, gold, housleyite, khinite, markcooperite, and ottoite. It is interpreted as having formed from the partial oxidation of primary sulfides and tellurides during or following brecciation of quartz veins. Eckhardite is mono-clinic, space group P21/n, with unit-cell dimensions a = 8.1606(8), b = 5.3076(6), c = 11.4412(15) Å, β = 101.549(7)°, V= 485.52(10) ų, and Z = 4. It forms as needles or blades up to about 150 x 15 x 5 µm in size, typically in radial or sub-radial aggregates, but also as isolated needles. The color is light bluish green and the streak is very pale bluish green. Crystals are transparent with vitreous to subadamantine luster. The Mohs hardness is estimated at between 2 and 3. Eckhardite is brittle with an irregular fracture and one likely (but not observed) cleavage on {101}. The calculated density based on the empirical formula is 4.644 g/cm³. The mineral is biaxial (-), with indices of refraction of a = 1. 770 (calc), β = 1.860 (calc), and β = 1.895(5). The measured 2V is 61.2(5)°, dispersion is r < v, perceptible and the optical orientation is Z = b; X ≈ [101]. The pleochroism is: Z (light blue green) < Y (very pale blue green) 4sF) consists of stair-step-like octahedral layers of Te6+O6 and Cu2+O6 octahedra parallel to {101}, which are linked in the [101] direction by bonds to interlayer Ca atoms. The structure can be described as a stacking of stepped HCP layers alternating with chains of CaO7 polyhedra. The structures of bairdite, timroseite, and paratimroseite also contain stair-step-like HCP polyhedral layers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bairdite, Pb2Cu42+Te26+O10(OH)2(SO4)(H2O), is a new tellurate-sulfate from Otto Mountain near Baker, California, U.S.A. It occurs in vugs in quartz associated with khinite, cerussite, goethite, and hematite. It is interpreted as having formed from the partial oxidation of primary sulfides and tellurides during or following brecciation of quartz veins. Bairdite is monoclinic, space group P21/c, with unit-cell dimensions a = 14.3126(10), b = 5.2267(3), c = 9.4878(5) Å, b = 106.815(7)°, V = 679.41(7) Å3, and Z = 2. Bairdite occurs as diamond-shaped tabular crystals up to about 250 mm long and 5 mm thick, in subparallel and fan-shaped aggregates. The color is lime green, the streak is pale lime green, and the luster is adamantine. The Mohs hardness is estimated at between 2 and 3. Bairdite is brittle with an irregular fracture and one perfect cleavage on {100}. The calculated density based on the empirical formula is 6.062 g/cm3. Bairdite is biaxial (+), with calculated indices of refraction of a = 1.953, b = 1.966, and g = 2.039. The measured 2V is 47(2)°, dispersion is r < v, strong and the optical orientation is Y = b; Z ^ a = 34° in obtuse angle b. The pleochroism is strong: Z (pale green) <<< X (green) < Y (green). Electron microprobe analyses (average of 4) provided: PbO 34.22, CaO 0.06, CuO 23.80, TeO3 26.34, SO3 5.74, H2O 2.81 (structure), total 92.97 wt%. The empirical formula (based on 17 O atoms pfu) is: Pb2.05Ca0.01Cu2+3.99Te6+2.00S0.96O17.00H4.16. The eight strongest powder X-ray diffraction lines are [dobs in Å (hkl) I]: 4.77 (110,102) 50, 4.522 (002,011,111) 66, 3.48 (multiple) 62, 2.999 (311,411) 97, 2.701 (502,113,213) 79, 2.614 (013,020) 100, 1.727 (multiple) 65, and 1.509 (911,033,324) 83. The crystal structure of bairdite (R1 = 0.072 for 1406 reflections with Fo > 4σF) contains edge-sharing chains of Te6+O6 and Cu2+O6 octahedra parallel to b that are joined by corner-sharing in the a direction, forming thick stair-step-like hexagonal close packed layers parallel to {100}. The polyhedral sheet has similarities to those in the structures of timroseite and paratimroseite. The thick interlayer region contains PbO10 polyhedra and half-occupied SO4 groups. Raman and infrared spectral data are presented [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fuettererite, Pb3Cu 62+Te6+O6(OH)7Cl5, is a new tellurate from Otto Mountain near Baker, California, named for Otto Fuetterer who is largely responsible for the development of the mining claims on Otto Mountain. The new mineral is known from only two specimens, one from the NE2 vein and the other from the Bird Nest drift. Fuettererite occurs in vugs in quartz, on the first specimen associated with Br-rich chlorargyrite, iodargyrite, and telluroperite and on the second specimen associated with anglesite, anatacamite, atacamite, chalcopyrite, galena, goethite, hematite, muscovite, phosphohedyphane, timroseite, and wulfenite. It is interpreted as having formed from the partial oxidation of primary sulfides and tellurides during or following brecciation of quartz veins. Fuettererite is hexagonal, with space group R3, α = 8.4035(12), c = 44.681(4) Å, V = 2732.6(6) Å3, and Z = 6. Crystals are tabular to short prismatic, exhibit the forms {100}, {101}, and {001} and reach a maximum dimension of 50 µm. The color is bluish green, the streak is pale bluish-green, and the luster is adamantine. The Mohs hardness is estimated at between 2 and 3. The new mineral is brittle with irregular fracture and one perfect cleavage on {001}. The calculated density based on the empirical formula is 5.528 g/cm³. Fuettererite is uniaxial (-), with calculated indices of refraction of ω = 2.04 and ε = 1.97, and is dichroic bluish-green, E < O. Electron microprobe analysis provided: PbO 41.45, CuO 30.35, Al2O3 0.23, TeO3 12.80, Cl 12.08, H2O 3.55 (structure), O=Cl -2.73, total 97.73 wt%. The empirical formula (based on 18 O + Cl apfu) is: Pb2.88Cu5.922+Al0.07Te1.136+O6.59(OH)6.12Cl5.29. The ten strongest powder X-ray diffraction lines are [dobs in Å (hkl) I]: 6.106 (104) 44, 3.733 (0.0.12) 100, 2.749 (121) 53, 2.6686 (124) 49, 2.5289 (127) 41, 2.2772 (1.2.11) 38, 1.9637 (315, 1.2.16) 87, 1.8999 (multiple) 48, 1.5976 (multiple) 40, and 1.5843 (410, 1.2.23, 143) 44. The crystal structure of fuettererite (R1 = 0.031 for 971 reflections with Fo > 4σF) contains edge-sharing sheets of CuO5Cl and TeO6 octahedra. These sheets are virtually identical to that in the structure of spangolite, but in fuettererite they are linked together to form a double sheet. The double octahedral sheets alternate with thick double layers of PbO2Cl6 polyhedra. The CuO5Cl octahedra exhibit pronounced Jahn-Teller distortions and the PbO2Cl6 polyhedron has a lopsided distribution of bond lengths attributable to the localization of the Pb2+ 6s² lone-pair electrons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agaite, Pb3Cu2+Te6+O5(OH)2(CO3), is a new tellurate from the Aga mine on Otto Mountain near Baker, California, U.S.A. The new mineral is known from only one specimen. It occurs on quartz in association with cerussite, Br-rich chlorargyrite, chrysocolla, goethite, khinite, markcooperite, muscovite, phosphohedyphane, timroseite, and wulfenite. It is interpreted as having formed from the partial oxidation of primary sulfides and tellurides during or following brecciation of quartz veins. Agaite is orthorhombic, space group Pca21, with unit-cell dimensions a = 10.6522(7), b = 9.1630(5), c = 9.6011(7) Å, V = 937.12(11) Å3, and Z = 4. Agaite crystals form as blades flattened on {010} and probably elongated on [001], and are up to about 20 µm thick and 200 µm in length. The color is blue, the streak is pale blue, and the luster is adamantine. The Mohs hardness is estimated at between 2 and 3. Agaite is brittle with an irregular fracture and one perfect cleavage on {010}. The calculated density based on the empirical formula is 6.987 g/cm³. Agaite is biaxial (-), with calculated indices of refraction of α = 2.015, β = 2.065, and γ = 2.070°. The measured 2V is 34(5)° and the optical orientation is X = b, Y = c, and Z = a. It is pleochroic: X = pale blue, Y and Z = blue; X < Y = Z. Electron microprobe analyses (average of 4) provided: PbO 65.91, CuO 7.75, TeO3 17.41, CO2 4.33 (structure), H2O 1.78 (structure), total 97.18 wt%. The empirical formula (based on 10 O apfu) is: Pb3.00Cu0.992+Te1.016+O5(OH)2(CO3). The eight strongest powder X-ray diffraction lines are [dobs in Å (hkl) I]: 4.26 (012) 28, 4.165 (211) 14, 3.303 (022, 310, 221) 100, 2.7472 (131, 203, 312) 68, 2.571 (032, 401, 231) 14, 2.0814 (332, 422) 21, 2.0306 (511) 17, and 1.7468 (multiple) 40. The crystal structure of agaite (R1 = 0.033 for 1913 reflections with Fo > 4σF) contains edge-sharing chains of Cu2+O5 square pyramids and Te6+O6 octahedra parallel to a that are joined by corner-sharing in the c direction, forming a polyhedral sheet parallel to {010}. The polyhedral sheet is very similar to those in the structures of timroseite and paratimroseite. The thick interlayer region contains 8- and 9-coordinated Pb2+, as well as CO3 and OH groups. The Pb coordinations have lopsided distributions of bond lengths attributable to the localization of the Pb2+ 6s2 lone-pair electrons [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chromschieffelinite, Pb10Te6O20(OH) 14(CrO4)(H2O) 5, is a new tellurate from Otto Mountain near Baker, California, named as the chromate analog of schieffelinite, Pb10Te6O20(OH) 14(SO4)(H2O) 5. The new mineral occurs in a single 1 mm vug in a quartz vein. Associated mineral species include: chalcopyrite, chry socolla, galena, goethite, hematite, khinite, pyrite, and wulfenite. Chromschieffelinite is orthorhombic, space group C2221, a = 9.6646(3), b = 19.4962(8), c = 10.5101(7) Å, V= 1980.33(17) ų, and Z = 2. Crystals are blocky to tabular on {010} with striations parallel to [001]. The forms observed are {010}, {210}, {120}, {150}, {180}, {212}, and {101}, and crystals reach 0.2 mm in maximum dimension. The color and streak are pale yellow and the luster is adamantine. The Mohs hardness is estimated at 2. The new mineral is brittle with irregular fracture and one perfect cleavage on {010}. The calculated density based on the ideal formula is 5.892 g/cm³. Chromschieffelinite is biaxial (-) with indices of refraction α = 1.930(5), β = 1.960(5), and γ = 1.975(5), measured in white light. The measured 2V is 68(2)°, the dispersion is strong, r < v, and the optical orientation is X = b, Y = c, Z = a. No pleochroism was observed. Electron microprobe analysis provided: PbO 59.42, TeO3 29.08, CrO3 1.86, H2O 6.63 (structure), total 96.99 wt%; the empirical formula (based on 6 Te) is Pb9.65Te6O19.96(OH)14.04(CrO4)0.67(H2O)6.32. The strongest powder X-ray diffraction lines are [dobs in Å (hkl)I]: 9.814 (020) 100, 3.575 (042,202)41, 3.347 (222)44, 3.262 (241,060,113) 53, 3.052 (311) 45, 2.9455 (152,133) 55, 2.0396 (115,353) 33, and 1.6500 (multiple) 33. The crystal structures of schieffelinite (R1 = 0.0282) and chromschieffelinite (R1 = 0.0277) contain isolated Te6+O6 octahedra and TeDue to image rights restrictions, multiple line equation(s) cannot be graphically displayed.O11 corner-sharing dimers, which are linked into a three-dimensional framework via bonds to Pb2+ atoms. The framework has large channels along c, which contain disordered SO4 or CrO4 groups and H2O. The lone- electron pair of each Pb2+ is stereochemically active, resulting in one-sided Pb-O coordination arrangements. The short Pb-O bonds of the Pb2+ coordinations are all to Te6+O6 octahedra, resulting in strongly bonded layers parallel to {010}, which accounts for the perfect {010} cleavage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The crystal structure of tlapallite has been determined using single-crystal X-ray diffraction and supported by electron probe micro-analysis, powder diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. Tlapallite is trigonal, space group P 321, with a = 9.1219(17) Å, c = 11.9320(9) Å and V = 859.8(3) Å3, and was refined to R 1 = 0.0296 for 786 reflections with I > 2σ(I). This study resulted from the discovery of well-crystallised tlapallite at the Wildcat prospect, Utah, USA. The chemical formula of tlapallite has been revised to (Ca,Pb)3CaCu6[Te4+3Te6+O12]2(Te4+O3)2(SO4)2·3H2O, or more simply (Ca,Pb)3CaCu6Te4+8Te6+2O30(SO4)2·3H2O, from H6(Ca,Pb)2(Cu,Zn)3(TeO3)4(TeO6)(SO4). The tlapallite structure consists of layers containing distorted Cu2+O6 octahedra, Te6+O6 octahedra and Te4+O4 disphenoids (which together form the new mixed-valence phyllotellurate anion [Te4+3Te6+O12]12−), Te4+O3 trigonal pyramids and CaO8 polyhedra. SO4 tetrahedra, Ca(H2O)3O6 polyhedra and H2O groups fill the space between the layers. Tlapallite is only the second naturally occurring compound containing tellurium in both the 4+ and 6+ oxidation states with a known crystal structure, the other being carlfriesite, CaTe4+2Te6+O8. Carlfriesite is the predominant secondary tellurium mineral at the Wildcat prospect. We also present an updated structure for carlfriesite, which has been refined to R 1 = 0.0230 for 874 reflections with I > 2σ(I). This updated structural refinement improves upon the one reported previously by refining all atoms anisotropically and presenting models of bond valence and Te4+ secondary bonding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Andychristyite, PbCu2+Te6+O5(H2O), is a new tellurate mineral from Otto Mountain near Baker, California, USA. It occurs in vugs in quartz in association with timroseite. It is interpreted as having formed from the partial oxidation of primary sulfides and tellurides during or following brecciation of quartz veins. Andychristyite is triclinic, space group P1̅ with unit-cell dimensions a = 5.322(3), b = 7.098(4), c = 7.511 (4) Å, α = 83.486(7), β = 76.279(5), γ = 70.742(5)°, V = 260.0(2) Å3 and Z = 2. It forms as small tabular crystals up to ~50 μm across, in sub-parallel aggregates. The colour is bluish green and the streak is very pale bluish green. Crystals are transparent with adamantine lustre. The Mohs hardness is estimated at between 2 and 3. Andychristyite is brittle with an irregular fracture and one perfect cleavage on {001}. The calculated density based on the empirical formula is 6.304 g/cm3. The mineral is optically biaxial, with large 2V, strong dispersion, and moderate very pale blue-green to medium blue-green pleochroism. The electron microprobe analyses (average of five) provided: PbO 43.21, CuO 15.38, TeO3 35.29, H2O 3.49 (structure), total 97.37 wt.%. The empirical formula (based on 6 O apfu) is: Pb0.98Cu2+0.98Te6+1.02O6H1.96. The Raman spectrum exhibits prominent features consistent with the mineral being a tellurate, as well as an OH stretching feature confirming a hydrous component. The eight strongest powder X-ray diffraction lines are [dobs in Å(I)(hkl)]: 6.71(16)(010), 4.76(17)(110), 3.274(100)(120,102,012), 2.641(27)(1̅02, 211, 1̅1̅2), 2.434(23)(multiple), 1.6736(17)(multiple), 1.5882(21)(multiple) and 1.5133(15)(multiple). The crystal structure of andychri styite (R1 =0.0165 for 1511 reflections with Fo>4σF) consists of stair-step-like hcp polyhedral layers of Te6+O6 and Cu2+O6 octahedra parallel to {001}, which are linked in the [001] direction by bonds to interlayer Pb atoms. The structures of eckhardite, bairdite, timroseite and paratimroseite also contain stair-step-like hcp polyhedral layers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Timroseite, Pb2Cu52+(Te6+O6) 2(OH)2, and paratimroseite, Pb2Cu42+(Te6+O6)2(H2O)2, are two new tellurates from Otto Mountain near Baker, California. Timroseite is named in honor of Timothy (Tim) P. Rose and paratimroseite is named for its relationship to timroseite. Both new minerals occur on fracture surfaces and in small vugs in brecciated quartz veins. Timroseite is directly associated with acanthite, cerussite, bromine-rich chlorargyrite, chrysocolla, gold, housleyite, iodargyrite, khinite-4O, markcooperite, ottoite, paratimroseite, thorneite, vauquelinite, and wulfenite. Paratimroseite is directly associated with calcite, cerussite, housleyite, khinite-4O, markcooperite, and timroseite. Timroseite is orthorhombic, space group P21nm, a = 5.2000(2), b = 9.6225(4), c = 11.5340(5) Å, V = 577.13(4) ų, and Z = 2. Paratimroseite is orthorhombic, space group P212121, a = 5.1943(4), b = 9.6198(10), c = 11.6746(11) Å, V = 583.35(9) ų, and Z = 2. Timroseite commonly occurs as olive to lime green, irregular, rounded masses and rarely in crystals as dark olive green, equant rhombs, and diamond-shaped plates in subparallel sheaf-like aggregates. It has a very pale yellowish green streak, dull to adamantine luster, a hardness of about 21/2 (Mohs), brittle tenacity, irregular fracture, no cleavage, and a calculated density of 6.981 g/cm³. Paratimroseite occurs as vibrant "neon" green blades typically intergrown in irregular clusters and as lime green botryoids. It has a very pale green streak, dull to adamantine luster, a hardness of about 3 (Mohs), brittle tenacity, irregular fracture, good {001} cleavage, and a calculated density of 6.556 g/cm³. Timroseite is biaxial (+) with a large 2V, indices of refraction > 2, orientation X = b, Y = a, Z = c and pleochroism: X = greenish yellow, Y = yellowish green, Z = dark green (Z > Y > X). Paratimroseite is biaxial (-) with a large 2V, indices of refraction > 2, orientation X = c, Y = b, Z = a and pleochroism: X = light green, Y = green, Z = green (Y = Z >> X). Electron microprobe analysis of timroseite provided PbO 35.85, CuO 29.57, TeO3 27.75, Cl 0.04, H2O 1.38 (structure), O≡Cl -0.01, total 94.58 wt%; the empirical formula (based on O+Cl = 14) is Pb2.07 Cu4.802+Te2.046+O12(OH) 1.98Cl0.02. Electron microprobe analysis of paratimroseite provided PbO 36.11, CuO 26.27, TeO3 29.80, Cl 0.04, H2O 3.01 (structure), O≡Cl -0.01, total 95.22 wt%; the empirical formula (based on O+Cl = 14) is Pb1.94Cu3.962+Te2.036+O 12(H2O)1.99Cl0.01. The strongest powder X-ray diffraction lines for timroseite are [dobs in Å (hkl) I]: 3.693 (022) 43, 3.578 (112) 44, 3.008 (023) 84, 2.950 (113) 88, 2.732 (130) 100, 1.785 (multiple) 33, 1.475 (332) 36; and for paratimroseite 4.771 (101) 76, 4.463 (021) 32, 3.544 (120) 44, 3.029 (023,122) 100, 2.973 (113) 48, 2.665 (131) 41, 2.469 (114) 40, 2.246 (221) 34. The crystal structures of timroseite (R1 = 0.029) and paratimroseite (R1 = 0.039) are very closely related. The structures are based upon edge- and corner-sharing sheets of Te and Cu polyhedra parallel to (001) and the sheets in both structures are identical in topology and virtually identical in geometry. In timroseite, the sheets are joined to one another along c by sharing the apical O atoms of Cu octahedra, as well as by sharing edges and corners with an additional CuO5 square pyramid located between the sheets. The sheets in paratimroseite are joined only via Pb-O and H bonds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Markcooperite, Pb2(UO2)Te6+O6, is a new tellurate from Otto Mountain near Baker, California, named in honor of Mark A. Cooper of the University of Manitoba for his contributions to mineralogy. The new mineral occurs on fracture surfaces and in small vugs in brecciated quartz veins. Markcooperite is directly associated with bromian chlorargyrite, iodargyrite, khinite-4O, wulfenite, and four other new tellurates: housleyite, thorneite, ottoite, and timroseite. Various other secondary minerals occur in the veins, including two other new secondary tellurium minerals: paratimroseite and telluroperite. Markcooperite is monoclinic, space group P21/c, a = 5.722(2), b = 7.7478(2), c = 7.889(2) Å, β = 90.833(5)°, V = 349.7(2) ų, and Z = 2. It occurs as pseudotetragonal prisms to 0.2 mm with the forms {100} and {011} and as botryoidal intergrowths to 0.3 mm in diameter; no twinning was observed. Markcooperite is orange and transparent, with a light orange streak and adamantine luster, and is non-fluorescent. Mohs hardness is estimated at 3. The mineral is brittle, with an irregular fracture and perfect {100} cleavage. The calculated density is 8.496 g/cm³ based on the empirical formula. Markcooperite is biaxial (+), with indices of refraction α = 2.11, β = 2.12, γ = 2.29 calculated using the Gladstone-Dale relationship, measured α-β birefringence of 0.01 and measured 2V of 30(5)°. The optical orientation is X = c, Y = b, Z = a. The mineral is slightly pleochroic in shades of orange, with absorption: X > Y = Z. No dispersion was observed. Electron microprobe analysis provided PbO 50.07, TeO3 22.64, UO3 25.01, Cl 0.03, O≡Cl -0.01, total 97.74 wt%; the empirical formula (based on O+Cl = 8) is Pb2.05U0.80Te1.186+O7.99 Cl0.01. The strongest powder X-ray diffraction lines are [dobs in Å (hkl) I]: 3.235 (120, 102, 1̄02) 100, 2.873 (200) 40, 2.985 (1̄21, 112, 121) 37, 2.774 (022) 30, 3.501 (021, 012) 29, 2.220 (221, 2̄21, 212) 23, 1.990 (222, 2̄22) 21, and 1.715 (320) 22. The crystal structure (R1 = 0.052) is based on sheets of corner-sharing uranyl square bipyramids and tellurate octahedra, with Pb atoms between the sheets. Markcooperite is the first compound to show Te6+ substitution for U6+ within the same crystallographic site. Markcooperite is structurally related to synthetic Pb(UO2)O2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ottoite, Pb2TeO5, is a new tellurate from Otto Mountain near Baker, California. Most of the mining on Otto Mountain occurred between 1940 and 1970 and is attributed to Otto Fuetterer, for whom the mountain is now named. The new mineral occurs on fracture surfaces and in small vugs in brecciated quartz veins, which intersect granitic rocks. Ottoite is directly associated with acanthite, bromine-rich chlorargyrite, gold, iodargyrite, khinite, wulfenite, and four other new tellurates: housleyite, mark-cooperite, thorneite, and timroseite. Various other secondary minerals occur in the veins, including two other new secondary tellurium minerals, paratimroseite and telluroperite. Ottoite and most other secondary minerals of the quartz veins are interpreted as having formed from the partial oxidation of primary sulfides and tellurides during or following brecciation of the veins. A later generation of quartz mineralization then recemented the breccias, effectively isolating and protecting the secondary mineralization from further alteration. Ottoite is monoclinic, space group I2/a, with the unit cell: a = 7.5353(6), b = 5.7142(5), c = 10.8981(12) Å, β = 91.330(6)°, V = 469.13(8) ų, and Z = 4. The mineral occurs as complex spear-shaped crystals in subparallel to divergent intergrowths. It is yellow and transparent to translucent, with a pale yellow streak and adamantine luster. Mohs hardness is estimated at 3. The mineral is brittle, with an irregular fracture and two cleavages in the [100] zone at ~90°--possibly on {010} and {001}. The calculated density is 8.721 g/cm³. Ottoite is biaxial (-), with a large 2V, but indices of refraction are too high to be measured. The optic orientation could only partially be determined: Y≈a. No pleochroism was observed. Electron microprobe analyses provided the following averages: PbO 68.88 and TeO3 28.03, total 96.95 wt%; the empirical formula (based on O = 5) is Pb1.96Te1.016+O5. The strongest powder X-ray diffraction lines are [dobs in Å (hkl) I]: 3.131 (2̄02) 64, 3.055 (013) 90, 3.015 (211) 100, 2.112 (2̄22) 29, 1.810 (006, 2̄15) 21, 1.773 (4̄11, 402) 43, 1.686 (033, 231) 20. The crystal structure (R1 = 0.020) consists of straight chains of trans-corner-sharing Te6+O6 octahedra parallel to a, which are joined by bonds to Pb atoms. The Pb atom exhibit markedly lopsided 11-coordination, typical of Pb2+ with stereoactive 6s² lone-pair electrons. The powder X-ray diffraction pattern of ottoite is very similar to that reported for girdite. Examination of girdite type material suggests that its description was based upon data obtained from at least two and possibly three different phases, one of which may correspond to ottoite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New discoveries of kuksite, Pb3Zn3Te6+P2O14, from the Black Pine mine, Montana, and Blue Bell claims, California, have enabled a detailed crystal-chemical study of the mineral to be undertaken. Single-crystal X-ray structure refinements of the structure indicate that it is isostructural with dugganite, Pb3Zn3Te6+As2O14, and joëlbruggerite, Pb3Zn3(Sb5+,Te6+)As2O13(OH,O). Kuksite from the Black Pine mine crystallizes in space group P321, with unit-cell dimensions a = 8.392(1), c = 5.204(1) Å, V = 317.39(8) ų, and Z = 1 (R1 = 2.91% for 588 reflections [Fo > 4σF] and 3.27% for all 624 reflections), while Blue Bell kuksite has the unit cell a = 8.3942(5), c = 5.1847(4) Å, and V = 316.38(4) ų (R1 = 3.33% for 443 reflections [Fo > 4σF] and 3.73% for all 483 reflections). Chemical analyses indicate that solid-solution series exist between kuksite, dugganite, and joëlbruggerite. Raman spectroscopic and powder X-ray diffraction data are also presented for samples from both occurrences. The crystal structure of the chemically related species yafsoanite, (Ca,Pb)3Te26+Zn3O12, from the type locality (Delbe orebody, Kuranakh Au Deposit, Aldan Shield, Saha Republic, Russia), has been refined to R1 = 2.41% for 135 reflections [Fo > 4σF] and 3.68% for all 193 reflections. A garnet-type structure has been confirmed and significantly improves upon the results of an earlier structure determination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New discoveries of kuksite, Pb3Zn3Te6+P2O14, from the Black Pine mine, Montana, and Blue Bell claims, California, have enabled a detailed crystal-chemical study of the mineral to be undertaken. Single-crystal X-ray structure refinements of the structure indicate that it is isostructural with dugganite, Pb3Zn3Te6+As2O14, and joëlbruggerite, Pb3Zn3(Sb5+,Te6+)As2O13(OH,O). Kuksite from the Black Pine mine crystallizes in space group P321, with unit-cell dimensions a = 8.392(1), c = 5.204(1) Å, V = 317.39(8) ų, and Z = 1 (R1 = 2.91% for 588 reflections [Fo > 4σF] and 3.27% for all 624 reflections), while Blue Bell kuksite has the unit cell a = 8.3942(5), c = 5.1847(4) Å, and V = 316.38(4) ų (R1 = 3.33% for 443 reflections [Fo > 4σF] and 3.73% for all 483 reflections). Chemical analyses indicate that solid-solution series exist between kuksite, dugganite, and joëlbruggerite. Raman spectroscopic and powder X-ray diffraction data are also presented for samples from both occurrences. The crystal structure of the chemically related species yafsoanite, (Ca,Pb)3Te26+Zn3O12, from the type locality (Delbe orebody, Kuranakh Au Deposit, Aldan Shield, Saha Republic, Russia), has been refined to R1 = 2.41% for 135 reflections [Fo > 4σF] and 3.68% for all 193 reflections. A garnet-type structure has been confirmed and significantly improves upon the results of an earlier structure determination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mineral 'oboyerite', first described in 1979 from the Grand Central mine, Tombstone, Cochise County, Arizona, USA, has been re-examined. The type specimen from the Natural History Museum, London and a specimen from the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County (traceable to S. A Williams, who first described 'oboyerite') were analysed in this study. The discreditation of 'oboyerite' as a valid mineral species has been approved by the Commission on New Minerals, Nomenclature and Classification of the International Mineralogical Association (Proposal 19-D). Single-crystal X-ray diffraction, powder X-ray diffraction, electron probe microanalysis and scanning electron microscopy were all employed to show that 'oboyerite' is formed of at least two distinct phases, including the lead–tellurium oxysalt minerals ottoite and plumbotellurite. During the course of the discreditation, plumbotellurite was confirmed to be identical to the synthetic compound α-Pb2+Te4+O3. Previously, in some mineralogical literature plumbotellurite was described as orthorhombic with no known crystal structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]