Cesbronite
A valid IMA mineral species
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About Cesbronite
Formula:
Cu2+3Te6+O4(OH)4
Formula redefined 2017 (IMA 17-C).
Colour:
Emerald green, 'green beetle'
Hardness:
3
Specific Gravity:
4.45
Crystal System:
Orthorhombic
Name:
Named in 1974 by Sidney Arthur Williams in honor of Fabien P. Cesbron [1938 France - ], French mineralogist with the Bureau de Recherches Geologiques et Miniere, BRGM, Orleans. France.
Redefined in September 2017 as containing Te6+ not Te4+ (Missen et al., 2018). The originally assumed formula was Cu5(Te4+O3)2(OH)6 · 2H2O.
Note: consequently its current placement within the Strunz and Dana tables is now incorrect.
Note: consequently its current placement within the Strunz and Dana tables is now incorrect.
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
940
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:940:5
IMA Classification of Cesbronite
Approved
IMA status notes:
Redefined by the IMA
Approval year:
1974
First published:
1974
Approval history:
Approved by IMA 1974.
Redefined by IMA 2017 (Proposal 17-C), as Cu2+Te6+O4(OH)4
Redefined by IMA 2017 (Proposal 17-C), as Cu2+Te6+O4(OH)4
Classification of Cesbronite
4.JN.15
4 : OXIDES (Hydroxides, V[5,6] vanadates, arsenites, antimonites, bismuthites, sulfites, selenites, tellurites, iodates)
J : Arsenites, antimonites, bismuthites, sulfites, selenites, tellurites; iodates
N : Tellurites with additional anions, with H2O
4 : OXIDES (Hydroxides, V[5,6] vanadates, arsenites, antimonites, bismuthites, sulfites, selenites, tellurites, iodates)
J : Arsenites, antimonites, bismuthites, sulfites, selenites, tellurites; iodates
N : Tellurites with additional anions, with H2O
Dana 7th ed.:
33.2.8.1
34.7.2.1
34 : SELENITES, TELLURITES AND SULFITES
7 : Hydrated Selenites, Tellurites and Sulfites containing Hydroxyl or Halogen
34 : SELENITES, TELLURITES AND SULFITES
7 : Hydrated Selenites, Tellurites and Sulfites containing Hydroxyl or Halogen
28.3.5
28 : Selenites, Selenates, Tellurites, and Tellurates
3 : Tellurites
28 : Selenites, Selenates, Tellurites, and Tellurates
3 : Tellurites
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Ces | 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 Cesbronite
Transparency:
Transparent
Comment:
'Bright luster'.
Colour:
Emerald green, 'green beetle'
Comment:
Dark green in transmitted light.
Streak:
Pale green
Hardness:
3 on Mohs scale
Tenacity:
Brittle
Cleavage:
Distinct/Good
Poor on {010}; good on {021}.
Poor on {010}; good on {021}.
Density:
4.45(2) g/cm3 (Measured) 4.455 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Cesbronite
Type:
Biaxial (+)
RI values:
nα = 1.880(8) nβ = 1.928(8) nγ = 2.029(8)
2V:
Measured: 72° , Calculated: 74°
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.149
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, moderate.
Optical Extinction:
X = a; Y = c; Z = b.
Pleochroism:
Strong
Comments:
X = pale bluish green; Y = dark yellow-green; Z = dark emerald-green.
Comments:
Absorption: X ≃ Y >> Z.
Chemistry of Cesbronite
Mindat Formula:
Cu2+3Te6+O4(OH)4
Formula redefined 2017 (IMA 17-C).
Formula redefined 2017 (IMA 17-C).
Element Weights:
Elements listed:
Crystallography of Cesbronite
Crystal System:
Orthorhombic
Class (H-M):
mmm(2/m2/m2/m) - Dipyramidal
Space Group:
Cmcm
Setting:
Cmcm
Cell Parameters:
a = 2.93172 (16) Å, b = 11.8414(6) Å, c = 8.6047(4) Å
Ratio:
a:b:c = 0.248 : 1 : 0.727
Unit Cell V:
298.72 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Morphology:
Chisel-shaped dipyramidal crystals showing dominant and striated {103}, with {180}, {001}, and {010}.
As hollow crusts of radiating crystals and fanlike aggregates.
As hollow crusts of radiating crystals and fanlike aggregates.
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 5.934 Å | (100) |
| 3.490 Å | (92) |
| 4.889 Å | (71) |
| 2.358 Å | (70) |
| 2.379 Å | (38) |
| 1.592 Å | (34) |
| 2.156 Å | (28) |
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| Stage 7: Great Oxidation Event | <2.4 |
| 47a : [Near-surface hydration of prior minerals] | |
| 47e : [Vanadates, chromates, manganates] |
Type Occurrence of Cesbronite
General Appearance of Type Material:
Green crystals sometimes forming hollow spherical crusts.
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
Type:
Natural History Museum, Paris; National School of Mines, Paris, France.
National Museum of Natural History, Washington, D.C., USA, number 144518.
Cotype:
The Natural History Museum, London, England, number 1976,405.
Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Mines, Paris, France, numbers 50707, 50708.
Natural History Museum, Paris; National School of Mines, Paris, France.
National Museum of Natural History, Washington, D.C., USA, number 144518.
Cotype:
The Natural History Museum, London, England, number 1976,405.
Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Mines, Paris, France, numbers 50707, 50708.
Geological Setting of Type Material:
Oxidized tellurium-copper-lead veins. Very late stage.
Synonyms of Cesbronite
Other Language Names for Cesbronite
Common Associates
Associations Based on Photo Data:
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 4.JN. | Tombstoneite | (Ca0.5Pb0.5)Pb3Cu2+6Te6+2O6(Te4+O3)6(Se4+O3)2(SO4)2 · 3H2O |
| 4.JN. | Ozernovskite | Fe3+4(Te4+O4)(Te4+O3)4 · 7H2O |
| 4.JN. | Shenganfuite | PbTe4+3O5(OH)Cl3(H2O) |
| 4.JN.05 | Sonoraite | Fe3+(TeO3)(OH) · H2O |
| 4.JN.10 | Poughite | Fe3+2(TeO3)2(SO4)(H2O)2 · H2O |
| 4.JN.20 | Eztlite | Pb2+2Fe3+3(Te4+ O3)3(SO4)O2Cl |
| 4.JN.30 | Juabite | CaCu10(TeO3)4(AsO4)4(OH)2 · 4H2O |
| 4.JN.35 | Eurekadumpite | (Cu,Zn)16(TeO3)2(AsO4)3Cl(OH)18 · 7H2O |
| 4.JN.40 | Tamboite | Fe3+3(OH)(H2O)2(SO4)(Te4+O3)3(Te4+O(OH)2)(H2O)3 |
| 4.JN.40 | Metatamboite | Fe3+3(OH)(H2O)2(SO4)(Te4+O3)3(Te4+O(OH)2)(H2O) |
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 Cesbronite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-940.html
Please feel free to link to this page.
Please feel free to link to this page.
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References for Cesbronite
Reference List:
Williams, Sidney A. (1974) Cesbronite, a new copper tellurite from Moctezuma, Sonora. Mineralogical Magazine, 39 (307) 744-746 doi:10.1180/minmag.1974.039.307.02
Fleischer, Michael, Chao, George Y., Mandarino, J. A. (1979) New mineral names. American Mineralogist, 64 (5-6) 652-659
Hålenius, U., Hatert, F., Pasero, M., Mills, S. J. (2017) New minerals and nomenclature modifications approved in 2017, CNMNC Newsletter No 39. Mineralogical Magazine, 81 (5) 1279-1286 doi:10.1180/minmag.2017.081.072
Missen, O. P., Mills, S. J., Welch, M. D., Spratt, J., Rumsey, M. S., Birch, W. D., Brugger, J. (2018) The crystal structure of cesbronite, Cu3TeO4(OH)4: a novel sheet tellurate topology. Acta Crystallographica Section B Structural Science, Crystal Engineering and Materials, 74 (1). 24-31 doi:10.1107/s205252061701647x
Localities for Cesbronite
Showing 4 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.
Mexico (TL) | |
| Williams (1974) +1 other reference |
USA | |
| Anthony et al. (1995) |
| Marek Chorazewicz (2024) |
| Mandarino (1996) |
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Bambollita Mine, Moctezuma, Moctezuma Municipality, Sonora, Mexico