Gillardite
A valid IMA mineral species
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About Gillardite
Formula:
Cu3Ni(OH)6Cl2
Colour:
Dark green
Lustre:
Vitreous
Hardness:
3
Specific Gravity:
3.76 (Calculated)
Crystal System:
Trigonal
Member of:
Name:
Named in 2007 by David M. Colchester, Peter Leverett, Meagan E. Clissold, Peter A. Williams, David E. Hibbs and Ernest H. Nickel in honour of Robert D. Gillard (23 August, 1936, London, England - ) professor, Department of Chemistry, Cardiff University, Wales, in recognition of his contributions to the field of inorganic chemistry.
Dimorph of:
Isostructural with:
Atacamite Group.
Closely related to paratacamite.
The Ni analogue of herbertsmithite and leverettite.
At least some of the gillardite from the type locality was originally considered to be "Ni-bearing paratacamite".
Closely related to paratacamite.
The Ni analogue of herbertsmithite and leverettite.
At least some of the gillardite from the type locality was originally considered to be "Ni-bearing paratacamite".
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
31405
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:31405:1
IMA Classification of Gillardite
Classification of Gillardite
3.DA.10c
3 : HALIDES
D : Oxyhalides, hydroxyhalides and related double halides
A : With Cu, etc., without Pb
3 : HALIDES
D : Oxyhalides, hydroxyhalides and related double halides
A : With Cu, etc., without Pb
10.1.2.4
10 : OXYHALIDES AND HYDROXYHALIDES
1 : A2(O,OH)3Xq
10 : OXYHALIDES AND HYDROXYHALIDES
1 : A2(O,OH)3Xq
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 for Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Gla | 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 Gillardite
Vitreous
Transparency:
Transparent
Colour:
Dark green
Comment:
Larger crystals are nearly black.
Streak:
Green
Hardness:
3 on Mohs scale
Tenacity:
Brittle
Cleavage:
Distinct/Good
On {101}.
On {101}.
Parting:
None observed.
Fracture:
Irregular/Uneven, Splintery
Density:
3.76 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Gillardite
Type:
Uniaxial (+)
RI values:
nω = 1.836(2) nε = 1.838(2)
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.002
Based on recorded range of RI values above.
Based on recorded range of RI values above.
Interference Colours:
The colours simulate birefringence patterns seen in thin section under crossed polars. They do not take into account mineral colouration or opacity.
Michel-Levy Bar The default colours simulate the birefringence range for a 30 µm thin-section thickness. Adjust the slider to simulate a different thickness.
Grain Simulation You can rotate the grain simulation to show how this range might look as you rotated a sample under crossed polars. Each grain retains its interference colour (retardation) while its brightness falls to black at extinction and reaches a maximum between extinction positions.
The colours simulate birefringence patterns seen in thin section under crossed polars. They do not take into account mineral colouration or opacity.
Michel-Levy Bar The default colours simulate the birefringence range for a 30 µm thin-section thickness. Adjust the slider to simulate a different thickness.
Grain Simulation You can rotate the grain simulation to show how this range might look as you rotated a sample under crossed polars. Each grain retains its interference colour (retardation) while its brightness falls to black at extinction and reaches a maximum between extinction positions.
Surface Relief:
Very High (positive)
Relative to Canada balsam mounting medium (n ≈ 1.537).
Relative to Canada balsam mounting medium (n ≈ 1.537).
This shows the grain boundary and Becke line effect under plane-polarised
light, based on the contrast between this mineral's average refractive
index and the mounting medium. It does not take into account mineral
colouration.
In focus
Interference Figure:
This shows the idealized uniaxial interference figure - the conoscopic
(convergent-light, Bertrand-lens-in) view, for a grain cut with the optic axis
centred and vertical. The coloured rings are isochromatics, computed with the
same physics as the Michel-Lévy bar above; the dark cross is the isogyre.
For a genuinely uniaxial mineral viewed this way, that cross stays perfectly stationary if you rotate the stage - unlike a biaxial mineral, where it splits apart on rotation. That invariance is itself the standard diagnostic test for telling uniaxial and biaxial minerals apart at the microscope.
For a genuinely uniaxial mineral viewed this way, that cross stays perfectly stationary if you rotate the stage - unlike a biaxial mineral, where it splits apart on rotation. That invariance is itself the standard diagnostic test for telling uniaxial and biaxial minerals apart at the microscope.
Dispersion:
None observed.
Pleochroism:
Not Visible
Chemistry of Gillardite
Mindat Formula:
Cu3Ni(OH)6Cl2
Element Weights:
Crystallography of Gillardite
Crystal System:
Trigonal
Class (H-M):
3m(32/m) - Hexagonal Scalenohedral
Space Group:
R3m
Cell Parameters:
a = 6.8364 Å, c = 13.8459 Å
Ratio:
a:c = 1 : 2.025
Unit Cell V:
560.41 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Morphology:
Equant, rhombohedral crystals showing the forms {101}, {021}, {001} and {100} (probable).
Twinning:
None observed.
Crystal Structure
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Unit Cell | Unit Cell Packed
2x2x2 | 3x3x3 | 4x4x4
Unit Cell | Unit Cell Packed
2x2x2 | 3x3x3 | 4x4x4
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CIF File Best | x | y | z | a | b | c
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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) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0006139 | Gillardite | Clissold M E, Leverett P, Williams P A, Hibbs D E, Nickel E H (2007) The structure of gillardite, the Ni-analogue of herbertsmithite, from Widgiemooltha, Western Australia The Canadian Mineralogist 45 317-320 | ![]() | 2007 | 132N deposit, Widgiemooltha, Australia | 0 | 293 |
CIF Raw Data - click here to close
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 5.463 Å | (100) |
| 4.651 Å | (16) |
| 4.519 Å | (11) |
| 2.903 Å | (19) |
| 2.755 Å | (69) |
| 2.728 Å | (14) |
| 2.257 Å | (39) |
| 1.820 Å | (13) |
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| Stage 7: Great Oxidation Event | <2.4 |
| 47a : [Near-surface hydration of prior minerals] | |
| 47g : [Halogen-bearing surface weathering minerals] | |
| Stage 10a: Neoproterozoic oxygenation/terrestrial biosphere | <0.6 |
| 50 : Coal and/or oil shale minerals | <0.36 |
Type Occurrence of Gillardite
General Appearance of Type Material:
Aggregates of equant, rhombohedral crystals up to 0.5 mm.
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
Gartrell Collection, Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Western Australian Museum, Perth Cultural Centre, Perth, Australia, number 8774.
Geological Setting of Type Material:
Silicified ferruginous gossan.
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
Synonyms of Gillardite
Other Language Names for Gillardite
Relationship of Gillardite to other Species
Member of:
Other Members of Atacamite Group:
| Atacamite | Cu2(OH)3Cl | Orth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) : Pnma |
| Botallackite | Cu2(OH)3Cl | Mon. 2/m : P21/m |
| Clinoatacamite | Cu2(OH)3Cl | Mon. 2/m |
| Haydeeite | Cu3Mg(OH)6Cl2 | Trig. 3m(32/m) : P3m1 |
| Herbertsmithite | Cu3Zn(OH)6Cl2 | Trig. 3m(32/m) : R3m |
| Hibbingite | Fe2+2(OH)3Cl | Orth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) : Pnma |
| Iyoite | MnCuCl(OH)3 | Mon. 2/m : P21/m |
| Kapellasite | Cu3Zn(OH)6Cl2 | Trig. 3m(32/m) : P3m1 |
| Kempite | Mn2+2(OH)3Cl | Orth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) : Pnma |
| Kuliginite | Fe3Mg(OH)6Cl2 | Trig. 3 : R3 |
| Leverettite | Cu3Co(OH)6Cl2 | Trig. 3 : R3 |
| Misakiite | Cu3Mn(OH)6Cl2 | Trig. 3m(32/m) : P3m1 |
| Paratacamite | Cu3(Cu,Zn)(OH)6Cl2 | Trig. 3 : R3 |
| Paratacamite-(Mg) | Cu3(Mg,Cu)(OH)6Cl2 | Trig. 3 : R3 |
| Paratacamite-(Ni) | Cu3(Ni,Cu)(OH)6Cl2 | Trig. 3 : R3 |
| Tondiite | Cu3Mg(OH)6Cl2 | Trig. 3m(32/m) : R3m |
| 'Unnamed (Cu-Zn Chloride Hydroxide)' | CuZnCl(OH)3 | Mon. 2/m : P21/m |
Common Associates
Associations Based on Photo Data:
| 36 photos of Gillardite associated with Gaspéite | NiCO3 |
| 15 photos of Gillardite associated with Gypsum | CaSO4 · 2H2O |
| 7 photos of Gillardite associated with Hydrohonessite | (Ni1-xFe3+x)(OH)2(SO4)x/2 · nH2O |
| 2 photos of Gillardite associated with Quartz | SiO2 |
| 1 photo of Gillardite associated with Carrboydite | (Ni1-xAlx)(SO4)x/2(OH)2 · nH2O |
| 1 photo of Gillardite associated with Tremolite | ◻Ca2Mg5(Si8O22)(OH)2 |
| 1 photo of Gillardite associated with Widgiemoolthalite | Ni5(CO3)4(OH)2 · 5H2O |
| 1 photo of Gillardite associated with Magnesite | MgCO3 |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 3.DA. | Parahibbingite | Fe2(OH)3Cl |
| 3.DA. | Centennialite | CaCu3Cl2(OH)6 · nH2O (n ~ 0.7) |
| 3.DA. | Bounahasite | Cu+Cu2+2(OH)3Cl2 |
| 3.DA. | Muonionalustaite | Ni3(OH)4Cl2 · 4H2O |
| 3.DA.05 | Melanothallite | Cu2Cl2O |
| 3.DA.10c | Haydeeite | Cu3Mg(OH)6Cl2 |
| 3.DA.10b | Clinoatacamite | Cu2(OH)3Cl |
| 3.DA.10c | Paratacamite | Cu3(Cu,Zn)(OH)6Cl2 |
| 3.DA.10c | Kapellasite | Cu3Zn(OH)6Cl2 |
| 3.DA.10c | Leverettite | Cu3Co(OH)6Cl2 |
| 3.DA.10a | Hibbingite | Fe2+2(OH)3Cl |
| 3.DA.10c | Paratacamite-(Ni) | Cu3(Ni,Cu)(OH)6Cl2 |
| 3.DA.10a | Kempite | Mn2+2(OH)3Cl |
| 3.DA.10c | Tondiite | Cu3Mg(OH)6Cl2 |
| 3.DA.10a | Atacamite | Cu2(OH)3Cl |
| 3.DA.10b | Belloite | Cu(OH)Cl |
| 3.DA.10c | Misakiite | Cu3Mn(OH)6Cl2 |
| 3.DA.10b | Iyoite | MnCuCl(OH)3 |
| 3.DA.10c | Kuliginite | Fe3Mg(OH)6Cl2 |
| 3.DA.10b | 'Unnamed (Cu-Zn Chloride Hydroxide)' | CuZnCl(OH)3 |
| 3.DA.10b | Botallackite | Cu2(OH)3Cl |
| 3.DA.10c | Herbertsmithite | Cu3Zn(OH)6Cl2 |
| 3.DA.15 | Claringbullite | Cu4ClF(OH)6 |
| 3.DA.15 | Barlowite | Cu4BrF(OH)6 |
| 3.DA.20 | Simonkolleite | Zn5Cl2(OH)8 · H2O |
| 3.DA.25 | Buttgenbachite | Cu19(NO3)2(OH)32Cl4 · 2H2O |
| 3.DA.25 | Connellite | Cu19(SO4)(OH)32Cl4 · 3H2O |
| 3.DA.30 | Abhurite | Sn21Cl16(OH)14O6 |
| 3.DA.35 | Ponomarevite | K4Cu4Cl10O |
| 3.DA.40 | Calumetite | CaCu4(OH)8Cl2 · 3.5H2O |
| 3.DA.40 | Anthonyite | Cu(OH,Cl)2 · 3H2O |
| 3.DA.45 | Khaidarkanite | Cu4Al3(OH)14F3 · 2H2O |
| 3.DA.50 | Bobkingite | Cu5Cl2(OH)8 · 2H2O |
| 3.DA.55 | Avdoninite | K2Cu5(OH)4Cl8 · H2O |
| 3.DA.60 | Droninoite | Ni6Fe3+2(OH)16Cl2 · 4H2O |
| 3.DA.70 | Chrysothallite | K6Cu6Tl3+Cl17(OH)4 · H2O |
| 3.DA.70 | Dioskouriite | CaCu4Cl6(OH)4 · 4H2O |
| 3.DA.75 | Feodosiyite | Cu11Mg2Cl18(OH)8 · 16H2O |
| 3.DA.80 | Romanorlovite | K8Cu6Cl17(OH)3 |
Fluorescence of Gillardite
Not fluorescent.
Other Information
Thermal Behaviour:
The mineral decomposes with loss of water between 150 and 300°C.
Health Risks:
No information on health risks for this material has been entered into the database. You should always treat mineral specimens with care.
Internet Links for Gillardite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-31405.html
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References for Gillardite
Reference List:
Clissold, M. E., Leverett, P., Williams, P. A., Hibbs, D. E., Nickel, E. H. (2007) The structure of gillardite, the Ni-analog of herbertsmithite, from Widgiemooltha, Western Australia. The Canadian Mineralogist, 45 (2). 317-320 doi:10.2113/gscanmin.45.2.317
Li, Yue-sheng, Zhang, Qing-ming (2013) Structure and magnetism of S = 1/2 kagome antiferromagnets NiCu3(OH)6Cl2 and CoCu3(OH)6Cl2. Journal of Physics: Condensed Matter, 25 (2). 26003 doi:10.1088/0953-8984/25/2/026003
Sciberras, Matthew J., Leverett, Peter, Williams, Peter A., Schlüter, Jochen, Malcherek, Thomas, Welch, Mark D., Downes, Peter J., Hibbs, David E., Kampf, Anthony R. (2017) Structural and compositional variations of basic Cu(II) chlorides in the herbertsmithite and gillardite structure field. Mineralogical Magazine, 81 (1) 123-134 doi:10.1180/minmag.2016.080.079
Localities for Gillardite
Showing 5 localities.
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.
Australia (TL) | |
| Colchester et al. (2007) +1 other reference |
| Sciberras et al. (2013) |
Germany | |
| Witzke (2012) |
Italy | |
| Fernando Caboni et al. (2024) |
| Fernando Caboni et al. (2024) |
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The
132 North Ni Mine, Widgiemooltha, Coolgardie Shire, Western Australia, Australia