TSUMEBITE

    Class : Phosphates, arsenates, vanadates
    Subclass : Anhydrous phosphates
    Crystal system : Monoclinic
    Chemistry : Pb2Cu(PO4)(SO4)(OH)
    Rarity : Rare

Tsumebite is a complex sulfate of lead and copper admitting groups (PO4) in its structure. It is a secondary mineral of the oxidation zone of certain lead-zinc deposits rich in arsenic, where it accompanies other secondary minerals of these metals (malachite, smithsonite...). Its name comes from its discovery location : the Tsumeb mine (Namibia). Tsumebite is found in the form of emerald green incrustations composed of small interlaced lamellar crystals of 3 mm at most, constantly showing complex twins.

Main photo : Tsumebite from Reward Mine, California, USA © Douglas Merson

Tsumebite from Tsumeb, Namibia © Christian Rewitzer
Tsumebite from Reward Mine, California, USA © Douglas Merson
Tsumebite from Clara Mine, Germany © Michael Förch
Tsumebite from Bluttenberg, Ste-Marie-aux-Mines, Haut-Rhin, France © Richard de Nul

Tsumebite in the World

In addition to its type locality of Tsumeb (Namibia), tsumebite is known from several American mines (Mammoth-St-Anthony, Morenci, Mex-Tex...), in Broken Hill (Australia), in Kipushi (Katanga), and in several European mines such as the Clara mine (Germany) or Roughton Gill (England).

Tsumebite in France

In France, tsumebite is known in Echassières (Allier) and in Ste-Marie-aux-Mines (Haut-Rhin).

Twinning

Complex twinning is omnipresent on {-122}. But also on {101} or {110}, {011} and {-104} generally in oscillatory combination, sometimes producing a zigzag suture. Others are known on {100} and {110}.

Fakes and treatments

No fakes listed for this mineral species.


Hardness : 3.5
Density : 6.13
Fracture : Irregular
Streak : White to pale green

TP : Translucent to transparent
RI : 1.900 to 1.942
Birefringence : 0.042
Optical character : Biaxial +
Pleochroism : Weak
Fluorescence : None

Solubility : Nitric acid, hydrochloric acid

Magnetism : NoneRadioactivity : None

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