Thometzekite
A valid IMA mineral species
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About Thometzekite
W. Thometzek
Formula:
PbCu2+2(AsO4)2 · 2H2O
Colour:
Green, bluish-green, olive-green
Lustre:
Waxy, Earthy
Hardness:
4 - 5
Specific Gravity:
5.21 (Calculated)
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Member of:
Name:
Named after Wilhelm Thometzek, Director of Mining at the Tsumcor Mine, Tsumeb from 1912 to 1922.
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
3939
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:3939:6
IMA Classification of Thometzekite
Approved
IMA Formula:
Pb2+Cu2+2(As5+O4)2·2H2O
Approval year:
1982
First published:
1985
Classification of Thometzekite
8.CG.15
8 : PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, VANADATES
C : Phosphates without additional anions, with H2O
G : With large and medium-sized cations, RO4:H2O = 1:1
8 : PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, VANADATES
C : Phosphates without additional anions, with H2O
G : With large and medium-sized cations, RO4:H2O = 1:1
40.2.9.3
40 : HYDRATED NORMAL PHOSPHATES,ARSENATES AND VANADATES
2 : AB2(XO4)2·xH2O
40 : HYDRATED NORMAL PHOSPHATES,ARSENATES AND VANADATES
2 : AB2(XO4)2·xH2O
20.5.8
20 : Arsenates (also arsenates with phosphate, but without other anions)
5 : Arsenates of Ti and Pb
20 : Arsenates (also arsenates with phosphate, but without other anions)
5 : Arsenates of Ti and Pb
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Tmz | 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 Thometzekite
Waxy, Earthy
Transparency:
Translucent
Colour:
Green, bluish-green, olive-green
Streak:
White
Hardness:
4 - 5 on Mohs scale
Density:
5.21 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Thometzekite
Type:
Biaxial (+)
RI values:
nα = 1.85 nβ = 1.87 nγ = 1.92
2V:
Measured: 70° , Calculated: 68°
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.070
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:
none
Optical Extinction:
Wavy extiction
Pleochroism:
Non-pleochroic
Chemistry of Thometzekite
Mindat Formula:
PbCu2+2(AsO4)2 · 2H2O
Element Weights:
Crystallography of Thometzekite
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Class (H-M):
2/m - Prismatic
Space Group:
B2/m
Setting:
C2/m
Cell Parameters:
a = 9.077 Å, b = 6.3 Å, c = 7.661 Å
β = 116.99°
β = 116.99°
Ratio:
a:b:c = 1.441 : 1 : 1.216
Unit Cell V:
390.38 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
2
Comment:
There is some uncertainty about whether this mineral is Tric. P-1 or P1, or Mon. C2/m. The best available data is presented above. A Tric. cell with a = 22.4, b = 22.44, c = 7.62, alpha = 70.2, beta = 70, gamma = 69.2, (no "Z" stated), has also been reported.
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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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) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0006709 | Thometzekite | Krause W, Belendorff K, Bernhardt H J, McCammon C A, Effenberger H, Mikenda W (1998) Crystal chemistry of the tsumcorite-group minerals. New data on ferrilotharmeyerite, tsumcorite, thometzekite, mounanaite, helmutwinklerite, and a redefinition of gartrellite European Journal of Mineralogy 10 179-206 | 1998 | Tsumeb mine, Namibia | 0 | 293 |
CIF Raw Data - click here to close
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 4.694 Å | (80) |
| 4.495 Å | (50) |
| 3.273 Å | (100) |
| 2.961 Å | (70) |
| 2.870 Å | (70) |
| 2.729 Å | (60) |
| 2.516 Å | (70) |
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 Thometzekite
General Appearance of Type Material:
Bluish-green to green tabular crystals up to 20 μm long and about 1 μm thick.
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
Mineralogical-Petrological Institute, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany.
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
Synonyms of Thometzekite
Other Language Names for Thometzekite
Relationship of Thometzekite to other Species
Member of:
Other Members of Tsumcorite Group:
| Alumolukrahnite | Ca[CuAl](AsO4)2(H2O,OH)2 | Tric. 1 : P1 |
| Cabalzarite | CaMg2(AsO4)2 · 2H2O | Mon. 2/m : B2/m |
| Cobaltlotharmeyerite | CaCo2(AsO4)2 · 2H2O | Mon. 2/m : B2/m |
| Cobalttsumcorite | PbCo2(AsO4)2 · 2H2O | Mon. 2/m : B2/m |
| Ferrilotharmeyerite | CaZnFe3+(AsO4)2(OH) · H2O | Mon. 2/m : B2/m |
| Gartrellite | PbCuFe3+(AsO4)2(OH) · H2O | Tric. 1 : P1 |
| Helmutwinklerite | PbZn2(AsO4)2 · 2H2O | Tric. 1 : P1 |
| Kaliochalcite | KCu2(SO4)2[(OH)(H2O)] | Mon. 2/m : B2/m |
| Krettnichite | PbMn3+2(VO4)2(OH)2 | Mon. 2/m : B2/m |
| Lotharmeyerite | CaZn2(AsO4)2 · 2H2O | Mon. 2/m : B2/m |
| Lukrahnite | CaCuFe3+(AsO4)2(OH,H2O)2 | Tric. 1 : P1 |
| Manganlotharmeyerite | CaMn3+2(AsO4)2(OH)2 | Mon. 2/m : B2/m |
| Mawbyite | PbFe3+2(AsO4)2(OH)2 | Mon. 2/m : B2/m |
| Mounanaite | PbFe3+2(VO4)2(OH)2 | Mon. 2/m : B2/m |
| Natrochalcite | NaCu2(SO4)2(OH) · 2H2O | Mon. 2/m : B2/m |
| Nickellotharmeyerite | CaNi2(AsO4)2 · 2H2O | Mon. 2/m : B2/m |
| Nickelschneebergite | BiNi2(AsO4)2(OH) · H2O | Mon. 2/m : B2/m |
| Nickeltsumcorite | Pb(Ni,Fe3+)2(AsO4)2(H2O,OH)2 | Mon. 2/m : B2/m |
| Phosphogartrellite | PbCuFe3+(PO4)2(OH,H2O)2 | Tric. 1 : P1 |
| Rappoldite | PbCo2(AsO4)2 · 2H2O | Tric. 1 : P1 |
| Schneebergite | BiCo2(AsO4)2(OH) · H2O | Mon. 2/m : B2/m |
| Tsumcorite | PbZn2(AsO4)2 · 2H2O | Mon. 2/m : B2/m |
| Yancowinnaite | PbCuAl(AsO4)2OH · H2O | Tric. 1 : P1 |
| Zincgartrellite | PbZn2(AsO4)2(H2O,OH)2 | Tric. 1 : P1 |
Forms a series with:
Common Associates
Associations Based on Photo Data:
| 7 photos of Thometzekite associated with Scorodite | Fe3+AsO4 · 2H2O |
| 6 photos of Thometzekite associated with Carminite | PbFe3+2(AsO4)2(OH)2 |
| 5 photos of Thometzekite associated with Beudantite | PbFe3+3(AsO4)(SO4)(OH)6 |
| 3 photos of Thometzekite associated with Petersite-(Y) | YCu6(PO4)3(OH)6 · 3H2O |
| 2 photos of Thometzekite associated with Pseudomalachite | Cu5(PO4)2(OH)4 |
| 2 photos of Thometzekite associated with Vanackerite | Pb4Cd(AsO4)3Cl |
| 1 photo of Thometzekite associated with Quartz | SiO2 |
| 1 photo of Thometzekite associated with Azurite | Cu3(CO3)2(OH)2 |
| 1 photo of Thometzekite associated with Gartrellite | PbCuFe3+(AsO4)2(OH) · H2O |
| 1 photo of Thometzekite associated with Keyite | Cu2+3Zn4Cd2(AsO4)6 · 2H2O |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 8.CG. | Fluckite | CaMn2+(AsO3OH)2 · 2H2O |
| 8.CG. | Dondoellite | Ca2Fe(PO4)2 · 2H2O |
| 8.CG. | 'Ca-Huréaulite' | CaMn5(PO4)4 · 4H2O |
| 8.CG. | Alumolukrahnite | Ca[CuAl](AsO4)2(H2O,OH)2 |
| 8.CG.05 | Parabrandtite | Ca2Mn2+(AsO4)2 · 2H2O |
| 8.CG.05 | Talmessite | Ca2Mg(AsO4)2 · 2H2O |
| 8.CG.05 | Collinsite | Ca2Mg(PO4)2 · 2H2O |
| 8.CG.05 | Messelite | Ca2Fe2+(PO4)2 · 2H2O |
| 8.CG.05 | Gaitite | Ca2Zn(AsO4)2 · 2H2O |
| 8.CG.05 | Anorthoroselite | Ca2Co(AsO4)2 · 2H2O |
| 8.CG.05 | Cassidyite | Ca2Ni(PO4)2 · 2H2O |
| 8.CG.05 | Fairfieldite | Ca2Mn2+(PO4)2 · 2H2O |
| 8.CG.05 | Hillite | Ca2Zn(PO4)2 · 2H2O |
| 8.CG.05 | 'Unnamed (Fe2+-analogue of Parabrandtite)' | Ca2Fe2+(AsO4)2 · 2H2O |
| 8.CG.10 | Zincroselite | Ca2Zn(AsO4)2 · 2H2O |
| 8.CG.10 | Roselite | Ca2Co(AsO4)2 · 2H2O |
| 8.CG.10 | Rruffite | Ca2Cu(AsO4)2 · 2H2O |
| 8.CG.10 | Wendwilsonite | Ca2Mg(AsO4)2 · 2H2O |
| 8.CG.10 | Brandtite | Ca2Mn2+(AsO4)2 · 2H2O |
| 8.CG.10 | 'Unnamed (Fe2+-analogue of Brandtite)' | Ca2Fe2+(AsO4)2 · 2H2O |
| 8.CG.15 | Mawbyite | PbFe3+2(AsO4)2(OH)2 |
| 8.CG.15 | Yancowinnaite | PbCuAl(AsO4)2OH · H2O |
| 8.CG.15 | Schneebergite | BiCo2(AsO4)2(OH) · H2O |
| 8.CG.15 | Cabalzarite | CaMg2(AsO4)2 · 2H2O |
| 8.CG.15 | Nickelschneebergite | BiNi2(AsO4)2(OH) · H2O |
| 8.CG.15 | Lotharmeyerite | CaZn2(AsO4)2 · 2H2O |
| 8.CG.15 | Nickeltsumcorite | Pb(Ni,Fe3+)2(AsO4)2(H2O,OH)2 |
| 8.CG.15 | Magnesiofluckite | CaMg(AsO3OH)2(H2O)2 |
| 8.CG.15 | Krettnichite | PbMn3+2(VO4)2(OH)2 |
| 8.CG.15 | Cobalttsumcorite | PbCo2(AsO4)2 · 2H2O |
| 8.CG.15 | Manganlotharmeyerite | CaMn3+2(AsO4)2(OH)2 |
| 8.CG.15 | Tsumcorite | PbZn2(AsO4)2 · 2H2O |
| 8.CG.15 | Ferrilotharmeyerite | CaZnFe3+(AsO4)2(OH) · H2O |
| 8.CG.15 | Cobaltlotharmeyerite | CaCo2(AsO4)2 · 2H2O |
| 8.CG.15 | Mounanaite | PbFe3+2(VO4)2(OH)2 |
| 8.CG.15 | Nickellotharmeyerite | CaNi2(AsO4)2 · 2H2O |
| 8.CG.20 | Lukrahnite | CaCuFe3+(AsO4)2(OH,H2O)2 |
| 8.CG.20 | Helmutwinklerite | PbZn2(AsO4)2 · 2H2O |
| 8.CG.20 | Phosphogartrellite | PbCuFe3+(PO4)2(OH,H2O)2 |
| 8.CG.20 | Gartrellite | PbCuFe3+(AsO4)2(OH) · H2O |
| 8.CG.20 | Zincgartrellite | PbZn2(AsO4)2(H2O,OH)2 |
| 8.CG.20 | Rappoldite | PbCo2(AsO4)2 · 2H2O |
| 8.CG.25 | Pottsite | (Pb3xBi4-2x)(VO4)4 · H2O (0.8 < x < 1.0) |
| 8.CG.25 | Armellinoite-(Ce) | Ca4Ce4+(AsO4)4 · H2O |
| 8.CG.35 | Nickeltalmessite | Ca2Ni(AsO4)2 · 2H2O |
| 8.CG.55 | Irhtemite | Ca4Mg(AsO4)2(HAsO4)2 · 4H2O |
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 Thometzekite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-3939.html
Please feel free to link to this page.
Please feel free to link to this page.
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References for Thometzekite
Reference List:
Jambor, John L.; Bladh, Kenneth W.; Ercit, T. Scott; Grice, Joel D.; Grew, Edward S. (1988) New mineral names. American Mineralogist, 73 (7-8). 927-935
Krause, Werner, Belendorff, Klaus, Bernhardt, Heinz-Jürgen, Mccammon, Catherine, Effenberger, Herta, Mikenda, Werner (1998) Crystal chemistry of the tsumcorite-group minerals. New data on ferrilotharmeyerite, tsumcorite, thometzekite, mounanaite, helmutwinklerite, and a redefinition of gartrellite. European Journal of Mineralogy, 10 (2). 179-206 doi:10.1127/ejm/10/2/0179
Jambor, John L., Grew, Edward S., Roberts, Andrew C. (1998) New mineral names. American Mineralogist, 83 (11) 1347-1352
Localities for Thometzekite
Showing 23 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.
Czech Republic | |
| Sejkora (2024) |
Europe | |
| Sejkora et al. (2009) |
France | |
| Boisson et al. (2000) |
| Favreau et al. (2024) |
| Georges FAVREAU collection & EDX ... +2 other references | |
Germany | |
| www.mineralienatlas.de (2021) |
| Stephan Wolfsried collection |
| Walenta (1995) +2 other references |
| Der Aufschluss 2000 (2) |
| Lapis 38 (5) +1 other reference |
Greece | |
| |
| Rieck (1999) | |
| Uwe Kolitsch and Branko Rieck (unpubl. SEM-EDS results) |
Namibia (TL) | |
| Schmetzer et al. (1985) |
Romania | |
| HÎRTOPANU et al. (2025) |
Russia | |
| Bortnikova et al. (2017) |
| Grant et al. (2001) |
| Luetcke (n.d.) |
Spain | |
| Joan Abella i Creus (Joanabellacreus@gmail.com) |
| Calvo Rebollar et al. (2022) |
Switzerland | |
| Roth et al. (2025) |
USA | |
| Bill Wise talk at 2007 NCMA meeting. |
| Kokinos et al. (1993) +1 other reference |
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Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia