Zincolivenite
A valid IMA mineral species
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About Zincolivenite
Formula:
CuZn(AsO4)(OH)
Colour:
Green, greenish blue
Lustre:
Vitreous
Hardness:
3½
Specific Gravity:
4.34
Crystal System:
Orthorhombic
Member of:
Name:
Named after its composition containing zinc and its relationship to Olivenite.
Olivenite Group.
Structurally distinct, intermediate member of the solid solution series between Olivenite and Adamite with a Zn:Cu ratio of (ideally) 1:1; Zn and Cu atoms are ordered on two differently coordinated sites in the crystal structure. Chukanov et al. (2007) suggest the following compositional ranges for zincolivenite: Cu0.5Zn1.5(AsO4)(OH)-Cu1.5Zn0.5(AsO4)(OH).
NOTE: prior to the approval of zincolivenite, the names 'zinc-olivenite' or 'Zn-olivenite' were also used for Zn-bearing olivenites with unspecified Zn:Cu ratios. Many "cuproadamite", "cuprian adamite" or "Cu-adamite" specimens were also found to actually be zincolivenite, see: https://www.mindat.org/mesg-492496.html.
Arsenate analogue of Zincolibethenite.
Structurally distinct, intermediate member of the solid solution series between Olivenite and Adamite with a Zn:Cu ratio of (ideally) 1:1; Zn and Cu atoms are ordered on two differently coordinated sites in the crystal structure. Chukanov et al. (2007) suggest the following compositional ranges for zincolivenite: Cu0.5Zn1.5(AsO4)(OH)-Cu1.5Zn0.5(AsO4)(OH).
NOTE: prior to the approval of zincolivenite, the names 'zinc-olivenite' or 'Zn-olivenite' were also used for Zn-bearing olivenites with unspecified Zn:Cu ratios. Many "cuproadamite", "cuprian adamite" or "Cu-adamite" specimens were also found to actually be zincolivenite, see: https://www.mindat.org/mesg-492496.html.
Arsenate analogue of Zincolibethenite.
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
31502
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:31502:3
Similar Names
| Zinc-Olivenites | A synonym of 'Zinc-bearing Olivenite' |
IMA Classification of Zincolivenite
Classification of Zincolivenite
8.BB.30
8 : PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, VANADATES
B : Phosphates, etc., with additional anions, without H2O
B : With only medium-sized cations, (OH, etc.):RO4 about 1:1
8 : PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, VANADATES
B : Phosphates, etc., with additional anions, without H2O
B : With only medium-sized cations, (OH, etc.):RO4 about 1:1
41.6.5.6
41 : ANHYDROUS PHOSPHATES, ETC.CONTAINING HYDROXYL OR HALOGEN
6 : A2(XO4)Zq
41 : ANHYDROUS PHOSPHATES, ETC.CONTAINING HYDROXYL OR HALOGEN
6 : A2(XO4)Zq
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Zoli | 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 Zincolivenite
Vitreous
Transparency:
Translucent
Colour:
Green, greenish blue
Streak:
White
Hardness:
3½ on Mohs scale
Tenacity:
Brittle
Cleavage:
Perfect
Perfect on {010}, imperfect on {101}
Perfect on {010}, imperfect on {101}
Fracture:
Conchoidal
Density:
4.34(15) g/cm3 (Measured) 4.330 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Zincolivenite
Type:
Biaxial (-)
RI values:
nα = 1.736(2) nβ = 1.784(2) nγ = 1.788(2)
2V:
Measured: 30° (5), Calculated: 31.5°
Birefringence:
0.052
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.052
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 biaxial acute bisectrix (Bxa) interference figure
- the conoscopic view for a grain cut perpendicular to the acute bisectrix, using
this mineral's 2V. The two small white dots mark the melatopes - the points
where the two optic axes emerge - and are shown only when they fall within the
field of view. The coloured bands are isochromatics, and the dark bands are
isogyres.
Rotate the stage: at 0°/90° the isogyres form a cross through the melatopes; at 45° they pull apart into curved hyperbolas. That splitting on rotation - absent in a uniaxial figure - is the standard diagnostic test for telling biaxial minerals from uniaxial ones. If 2V is large, the melatopes may fall outside the field of view, as they often do at the microscope too.
Rotate the stage: at 0°/90° the isogyres form a cross through the melatopes; at 45° they pull apart into curved hyperbolas. That splitting on rotation - absent in a uniaxial figure - is the standard diagnostic test for telling biaxial minerals from uniaxial ones. If 2V is large, the melatopes may fall outside the field of view, as they often do at the microscope too.
Dispersion:
r > v, very strong
Optical Extinction:
Parallel extinction.
Pleochroism:
Weak
Comments:
X = light bluish green, Y = Z = light blue
Comments:
Orientation: X = b, Y = a, Z = c
Chemistry of Zincolivenite
Mindat Formula:
CuZn(AsO4)(OH)
Element Weights:
Crystallography of Zincolivenite
Crystal System:
Orthorhombic
Class (H-M):
mmm(2/m2/m2/m) - Dipyramidal
Space Group:
Pnnm
Cell Parameters:
a = 8.5839(15) Å, b = 8.5290(13) Å, c = 5.9696(9) Å
Ratio:
a:b:c = 1.006 : 1 : 0.7
Unit Cell V:
437.05 ų
Z:
4
Morphology:
Observed forms: {120} and {101}.
Comment:
Pseudotetragonal metrics
Crystal Structure
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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) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0009626 | Zincolivenite | Toman K (1978) Ordering in olivenite-adamite solid solutions Acta Crystallographica B34 715-721 |  | 1978 | Tsumeb, Southwest Africa | 0 | 293 |
CIF Raw Data - click here to close
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 6.00 Å | (54) |
| 4.860 Å | (64) |
| 3.002 Å | (100) |
| 2.690 Å | (67) |
| 2.662 Å | (53) |
| 2.456 Å | (94) |
| 2.437 Å | (86) |
| 1.604 Å | (49) |
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] |
Type Occurrence of Zincolivenite
General Appearance of Type Material:
Prismatic crystals and radial intergrowths.
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
Mining Academy, Freiberg, Germany (catalogue No. 81475).
Geological Setting of Type Material:
In the cavities of limonite ores.
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
Synonyms of Zincolivenite
Other Language Names for Zincolivenite
Dutch:Zincoliveniet
German:Zincolivenit
Zinkolivenit (in part)
Zinkolivenit (in part)
Relationship of Zincolivenite to other Species
Member of:
Other Members of Olivenite Group:
| Adamite | Zn2(AsO4)(OH) | Orth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) : Pnnm |
| Auriacusite | Fe3+Cu2+(AsO4)O | Orth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) : Pnnm |
| Eveite | Mn2+2(AsO4)(OH) | Orth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) : Pnnm |
| Libethenite | Cu2(PO4)(OH) | Orth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) : Pnnm |
| Olivenite | Cu2(AsO4)(OH) | Mon. 2/m : P21/m |
| 'Unnamed (Sb-analogue of Auriacusite)' | Fe3+Cu2+[(Sb,As)O4]O | |
| Zincolibethenite | CuZn(PO4)(OH) | Orth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) : Pnnm |
Common Associates
Associations Based on Photo Data:
| 87 photos of Zincolivenite associated with Azurite | Cu3(CO3)2(OH)2 |
| 59 photos of Zincolivenite associated with Olivenite | Cu2(AsO4)(OH) |
| 42 photos of Zincolivenite associated with Ferrilotharmeyerite | CaZnFe3+(AsO4)2(OH) · H2O |
| 29 photos of Zincolivenite associated with Keyite | Cu2+3Zn4Cd2(AsO4)6 · 2H2O |
| 22 photos of Zincolivenite associated with Schulténite | Pb(HAsO4) |
| 18 photos of Zincolivenite associated with Calcite | CaCO3 |
| 15 photos of Zincolivenite associated with Native Silver | Ag |
| 14 photos of Zincolivenite associated with Tsumcorite | PbZn2(AsO4)2 · 2H2O |
| 14 photos of Zincolivenite associated with Dolomite | CaMg(CO3)2 |
| 13 photos of Zincolivenite associated with Gartrellite | PbCuFe3+(AsO4)2(OH) · H2O |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 8.BB. | Moabite | NiFe3+(PO4)O |
| 8.BB. | Tilasite | CaMg(AsO4)F |
| 8.BB. | Paulgrothite | Cu9Fe3+O4(PO4)4Cl3 |
| 8.BB. | Karlditmarite | Cu9O4(PO4)2(SO4)2 |
| 8.BB. | Milkovoite | Cu4O(PO4)(AsO4) |
| 8.BB.X | Arsenowagnerite | Mg2(AsO4)F |
| 8.BB.05 | Tavorite | LiFe3+(PO4)(OH) |
| 8.BB.05 | Amblygonite | LiAl(PO4)F |
| 8.BB.05 | Montebrasite | LiAl(PO4)(OH) |
| 8.BB.10 | Zwieselite | Fe2+2(PO4)F |
| 8.BB.10 | Triplite | Mn2+2(PO4)F |
| 8.BB.15 | 'Unnamed (Sb-analogue of Auriacusite)' | Fe3+Cu2+[(Sb,As)O4]O |
| 8.BB.15 | Joosteite | Mn2+(Mn3+,Fe3+)(PO4)O |
| 8.BB.15 | Hydroxylwagnerite | Mg2(PO4)(OH) |
| 8.BB.15 | Wagnerite | Mg2(PO4)F |
| 8.BB.15 | Stanĕkite | (Mn2+,Fe2+,Mg)Fe3+(PO4)O |
| 8.BB.15 | Triploidite | Mn2+2(PO4)(OH) |
| 8.BB.15 | Sarkinite | Mn2+2(AsO4)(OH) |
| 8.BB.15 | Wolfeite | Fe2+2(PO4)(OH) |
| 8.BB.20 | Holtedahlite | Mg2(PO4)(OH) |
| 8.BB.20 | Satterlyite | (Fe2+,Mg,Fe)12(PO4)5(PO3OH)(OH,O)6 |
| 8.BB.25 | Althausite | Mg4(PO4)2(OH,O)(F,◻) |
| 8.BB.30 | Adamite | Zn2(AsO4)(OH) |
| 8.BB.30 | Libethenite | Cu2(PO4)(OH) |
| 8.BB.30 | Zincolibethenite | CuZn(PO4)(OH) |
| 8.BB.30 | Eveite | Mn2+2(AsO4)(OH) |
| 8.BB.30 | Olivenite | Cu2(AsO4)(OH) |
| 8.BB.30 | Auriacusite | Fe3+Cu2+(AsO4)O |
| 8.BB.35 | Paradamite | Zn2(AsO4)(OH) |
| 8.BB.35 | Tarbuttite | Zn2(PO4)(OH) |
| 8.BB.40 | Barbosalite | Fe2+Fe3+2(PO4)2(OH)2 |
| 8.BB.40 | Scorzalite | Fe2+Al2(PO4)2(OH)2 |
| 8.BB.40 | Lazulite | MgAl2(PO4)2(OH)2 |
| 8.BB.40 | Meizhouite | Fe2+V3+2(PO4)2(OH)2 |
| 8.BB.40 | Hentschelite | CuFe3+2(PO4)2(OH)2 |
| 8.BB.40 | Wilhelmkleinite | ZnFe3+2(AsO4)2(OH)2 |
| 8.BB.45 | Dokuchaevite | Cu8O2(VO4)3Cl3 |
| 8.BB.45 | Trolleite | Al4(PO4)3(OH)3 |
| 8.BB.45 | Yaroshevskite | Cu9O2(VO4)4Cl2 |
| 8.BB.50 | Namibite | Cu(BiO)2(VO4)(OH) |
| 8.BB.50 | Aleutite | [Cu5O2](AsO4)(VO4) · (Cu,K,Pb,Rb,Cs,)Cl |
| 8.BB.52a | Ericlaxmanite | Cu4O(AsO4)2 |
| 8.BB.52b | Kozyrevskite | Cu4O(AsO4)2 |
| 8.BB.55 | Phosphoellenbergerite | (Mg,◻)2Mg12(PO4,PO3OH)6(PO3OH,CO3)2(OH)6 |
| 8.BB.55 | Popovite | Cu5O2(AsO4)2 |
| 8.BB.60 | Urusovite | CuAl(AsO4)O |
| 8.BB.65 | Theoparacelsite | Cu3(As2O7)(OH)2 |
| 8.BB.70 | Turanite | Cu5(VO4)2(OH)4 |
| 8.BB.75 | Stoiberite | Cu5(VO4)2O2 |
| 8.BB.80 | Fingerite | Cu11(VO4)6O2 |
| 8.BB.85 | Averievite | Cu6(VO4)2O2Cl2 |
| 8.BB.90 | Richellite | CaFe3+2(PO4)2(OH,F)2 |
| 8.BB.90 | Lipscombite | Fe2+Fe3+2(PO4)2(OH)2 |
| 8.BB.90 | Zinclipscombite | ZnFe3+2(PO4)2(OH)2 |
Other Information
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 Zincolivenite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-31502.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 Zincolivenite
Reference List:
Toman, K. (1978) Ordering in olivenite–adamite solid solutions. Acta Crystallographica Section B Structural Crystallography and Crystal Chemistry, 34 (3) 715-721 doi:10.1107/s0567740878003933
Braithwaite, R. S. W. (1983) Infrared spectroscopic analysis of the olivenite-adamite series, and of phosphate substitution in olivenite. Mineralogical Magazine, 47 (342) 51-57 doi:10.1180/minmag.1983.047.342.09
Chisholm, J. E. (1985) Cation segregation and the O-H stretching vibration of the olivenite-adamite series. Physics and Chemistry of Minerals, 12 (3) 185-190 doi:10.1007/bf00308212
Katerinopoulos, A. (1996) Adamite from the Lavrion mines. Oryktos Ploutos 99, 21-28. (in Greek.)(as intermediate member, thus most probably zincolivenite)
Gołębiowska, Boźena, Pieczka, Adam, Franus, Wojciech (2006) Olivenite-Adamite Solid Solution From Oxidation Zone in Rędziny (West Sudetes, Poland). Mineralogia, 37 (2). 101-110 doi:10.2478/v10002-007-0001-1
Chukanov, N. V., Pushcharovsky, D. Yu., Zubkova, N. V., Pekov, I. V., Pasero, M., Merlino, S., Möckel, S., Rabadanov, M. Kh., Belakovskiy, D. I. (2007) Zincolivenite CuZn(AsO4)(OH): A new adamite-group mineral with ordered distribution of Cu and Zn. Doklady Earth Sciences, 415 (2) 841-845 doi:10.1134/s1028334x07060037
Majzlan, J., Števko, M., Plášil, J., Sejkora, J., Dachs, E. (2023) Thermodynamics of the Cu, Zn, and Cu-Zn phases: zincolivenite, adamite, olivenite, ludjibaite, strashimirite, and slavkovite. Journal of GEOsciences, 68 (1) 67-80 doi:10.3190/jgeosci.367
Mauro, Daniela, Biagioni, Cristian, Sejkora, Jiří, Dolníček, Zdeněk (2023) Occurrence and crystal chemistry of austinite, conichalcite and zincolivenite from the Peloritani Mountains, northeastern Sicily, Italy. Mineralogical Magazine, 87 (5) 659-669 doi:10.1180/mgm.2023.49(includes structure refinement)
Localities for Zincolivenite
Showing 106 localities.
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.
Australia | |
| Uwe Kolitsch collection (EDS-analysed) |
Austria | |
| Puttner (1998) |
| Weissensteiner et al. (2011) |
| Gröbner et al. (2009) | |
| Puttner (1990a) |
| R.Poeverlein (2016) |
| ... |
| Kolitsch et al. (2010) |
| Gröbner et al. (2009) |
| Gröbner et al. (2009) |
| Gröbner et al. (2009) |
| 58. +1 other reference |
| C.Auer (2015) |
| Neschen (n.d.) |
Chile | |
| samples analysed by Dr. Tony Kampf +3 other references |
| Samples analysed by Dr. Jochen Schlüter (Hamburg University) | |
Czech Republic | |
| Sejkora et al. (2008) |
France | |
| Yves Mourey Collection |
| Mourey (2017) | |
| Favreau et al. (2010) |
| Yannick Vessely collection |
| Favreau et al. (2024) |
| Georges FAVREAU collection & EDX ... +1 other reference | |
Germany | |
| Lapis 32 (12) |
| Gröbner et al. (2009) |
| Uwe Kolitsch (single-crystal XRD + optics) +3 other references |
| Walenta et al. (1961) |
| Lapis 32 (12) |
| Kohorst (1999) +1 other reference |
| Gröbner et al. (2009) |
| Gröbner et al. (2011) |
| Gröbner et al. (2011) |
| Gröbner et al. (2009) |
| Gröbner et al. (2009) |
| www.mineralienfreunde-der-pfalz.de (2015) |
| Lapis 38 (5) +1 other reference |
| Möhn et al. (01/2021) |
| Gröbner et al. (2009) |
Greece (TL) | |
| Chukanov et al. (2007) |
| K Brenko |
| Gröbner et al. (2009) |
| Tony Peterson Collection | |
| Gebhard (1983) +1 other reference |
| Heymann (1982) | |
| Uwe Kolitsch and Branko Rieck (unpubl. SEM-EDS results) |
| Jürgen Breitenbach collection |
Italy | |
| Bortolozzi et al. (2015) |
| Bortolozzi (n.d.) | |
| Vergani et al. (2020) |
| Vergani (2019) +1 other reference |
| Vergani et al. (2020) | |
| Lecca et al. (2024) |
| Daniel Lorenz |
| SEM-EDS analysis by Dario Cericola |
| AMI UK service (2009) |
| Erica Bittarello +3 other references |
| Ferretti et al. (2019) |
| Biagioni et al. (2026) |
| Zorzi et al. (2018) |
Japan | |
| Masutomi Museum specimen and analyses (Kyoto) |
Mexico | |
| boyuan zhang Collection |
| Find from late 2022 or early 2023 +1 other reference |
Morocco | |
| Favreau (2026) |
| Favreau (2026) |
| Georges FAVREAU collection & EDX ... |
| Georges FAVREAU collection + EDS ... |
| Barral (2023) | |
Namibia | |
| Southwood et al. (2020) +1 other reference |
Poland | |
| Gołębiowska et al. (2006) |
| Wieser et al. (1986) |
Portugal | |
| Alves et al. (2017) |
Russia | |
| Chukanov et al. (2007) |
Slovakia | |
| Števko et al. (2016) |
Spain | |
| Gröbner et al. (2009) |
| Viñals et al. (2008) |
| ... | |
| Georges FAVREAU collection & EDX ... |
| Gröbner et al. (2009) |
| Georges FAVREAU collection & EDX ... |
| Calvo Sevillano et al. (2011) |
| Calvo (2015) |
| Calvo Rebollar (2015) |
| Calvo Rebollar (2015) | |
| Calvo Rebollar (2015) |
| Garrido et al. (2013) |
| Joan Rosell |
| Mineralogía de la concesión San Rafael |
| issuu.com (n.d.) +1 other reference |
| issuu.com (n.d.) +1 other reference | |
Switzerland | |
| Zanelli et al. (2026) |
| Gröbner (2014) |
| Cuchet et al. (2012) |
| Cuchet et al. (2016) |
UK | |
| Braithwaite et al. (2009) +1 other reference |
| Braithwaite et al. (2009) |
| Cotterell et al. (2011) +1 other reference |
USA | |
| List provided by Paul Adams at SCMS ... |
| Collection of Alex Earl | |
| Thorne (n.d.) |
| Christopher Emproto analysis |
| From the collection of Tom Wyman. ID by ... |
| In the collection of Alex Earl | |
| collected by and in the collection of ... |
| Thorne (n.d.) |
| Patrick Haynes | |
| Favreau (n.d.) |
Quick NavTopAbout ZincoliveniteUnique IdentifiersSimilar NamesIMA Classification Classification Mineral SymbolsPhysical Properties Optical Data Chemistry Crystallography Crystal StructureX-Ray Powder DiffractionGeological EnvironmentType Occurrence SynonymsOther LanguagesRelationshipsCommon AssociatesStrunz-MindatOther InformationInternet Links References Localities Locality List
Hilarion Mine, Kamariza Mines, Agios Konstantinos, Lavreotiki, East Attica, Attica, Greece