Gilalite
A valid IMA mineral species
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About Gilalite
Seal of Gila County, AZ
Formula:
Cu5Si6O17 · 7H2O
Colour:
Translucent green, blue-green
Hardness:
2
Specific Gravity:
2.72
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Name:
For Gila Co., Arizona, USA, where it was found. It is pronounced hee'-lah-lite.
This page provides mineralogical data about Gilalite.
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
1691
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:1691:5
IMA Classification of Gilalite
Approved
First published:
1980
Classification of Gilalite
9.HE.05
9 : SILICATES (Germanates)
H : Unclassified silicates
E : With Cu, Zn
9 : SILICATES (Germanates)
H : Unclassified silicates
E : With Cu, Zn
78.4.4.1
78 : Unclassified Silicates
4 :
78 : Unclassified Silicates
4 :
14.2.4
14 : Silicates not Containing Aluminum
2 : Silicates of Cu
14 : Silicates not Containing Aluminum
2 : Silicates of Cu
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Gil | 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 Gilalite
Transparency:
Transparent, Translucent
Comment:
Nonmetallic
Colour:
Translucent green, blue-green
Hardness:
2 on Mohs scale
Tenacity:
Waxy
Density:
2.72(5) g/cm3 (Measured) 2.54 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Gilalite
Type:
Biaxial (-)
RI values:
nα = 1.56 nβ = 1.635 nγ = 1.635
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.075
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.
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.
Surface Relief:
Moderate
Dispersion:
none
Optical Extinction:
Blades extinguish up to 8° from Z || length.
Pleochroism:
Weak
Comments:
Weak in drab grayish green.
Comments:
2Vmeasured = Very small.
Absorption: Z > X = Y.
Absorption: Z > X = Y.
Chemistry of Gilalite
Mindat Formula:
Cu5Si6O17 · 7H2O
Element Weights:
Elements listed:
Common Impurities:
Mn,Mg,Ca
Crystallography of Gilalite
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Cell Parameters:
a = 13.38 Å, b = 19.16 Å, c = 9.02 Å
β = 90°
β = 90°
Ratio:
a:b:c = 0.698 : 1 : 0.471
Unit Cell V:
2,312.37 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
4
Comment:
Neither point group nor space group known.
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 13.4 Å | (100) |
| 7.786 Å | (50) |
| 4.790 Å | (40) |
| 3.897 Å | (40) |
| 10.97 Å | (30) |
| 6.684 Å | (30) |
| 3.315 Å | (30) |
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| Stage 3b: Earth’s earliest hydrosphere | >4.45 |
| 12 : Hadean hydrothermal subsurface sulfide deposits (see also #33) | |
| Stage 7: Great Oxidation Event | <2.4 |
| 47a : [Near-surface hydration of prior minerals] | |
| Stage 10b: Anthropogenic minerals | <10 Ka |
| 56 : Slag and smelter minerals (see also #51 and #55) |
Type Occurrence of Gilalite
General Appearance of Type Material:
Spherules of radial fibers up to 0.2 mm or more in length.
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
The Natural History Museum, London, England, 1980,533; University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona; National Museum of Natural History, Washington, D.C., USA, 150201.
Geological Setting of Type Material:
Retrograde or mesogene mineral occurring in tactites.
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
Synonyms of Gilalite
Other Language Names for Gilalite
Common Associates
Associated Minerals Based on Photo Data:
| 57 photos of Gilalite associated with Kinoite | Ca2Cu2(H2O)2[Si3O10] |
| 21 photos of Gilalite associated with Apophyllite Group | AB4[Si8O22]X · 8H2O |
| 14 photos of Gilalite associated with Ruizite | Ca2Mn3+2[Si4O11(OH)2](OH)2 · 2H2O |
| 12 photos of Gilalite associated with Quartz | SiO2 |
| 9 photos of Gilalite associated with Fluorapophyllite-(K) | KCa4(Si8O20)(F,OH) · 8H2O |
| 9 photos of Gilalite associated with Apachite | Cu9Si10O29 · 11H2O |
| 7 photos of Gilalite associated with Hydroxyapophyllite-(K) | KCa4(Si8O20)(OH,F) · 8H2O |
| 2 photos of Gilalite associated with Cuprite | Cu2O |
| 2 photos of Gilalite associated with Brochantite | Cu4(SO4)(OH)6 |
| 2 photos of Gilalite associated with Junitoite | CaZn2Si2O7 · H2O |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 9.HE.10 | Apachite | Cu9Si10O29 · 11H2O |
Other Information
Notes:
Easily soluble in cold, dilute HNO3 or HCl.
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 Gilalite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-1691.html
Please feel free to link to this page.
Please feel free to link to this page.
Search Engines:
External Links:
References for Gilalite
Reference List:
Cesbron, F. P., Williams, S. A. (1980) Apachite and gilalite, two new copper silicates from Christmas, Arizona. Mineralogical Magazine, 43 (329) 639-641 doi:10.1180/minmag.1980.043.329.12
Fleischer, M., Cabri, L. J., Chao, G. Y., Pabst, A. (1980) New mineral names. American Mineralogist, 65 (9-10). 1065-1070
Localities for Gilalite
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.
Brazil | |
| Lavinsky (n.d.) | |
| Gems & Gemology Magazine Fall 2005 ... |
Greece | |
| 58. +1 other reference |
Italy | |
| Vergani et al. (2020) |
| Vergani et al. (2020) |
USA (TL) | |
| Cesbron et al. (1980) +1 other reference |
| Eckhard D. Stuart | |
| Castor et al. (2004) |
Quick NavTopAbout GilaliteUnique IdentifiersIMA Classification Classification Mineral SymbolsPhysical Properties Optical Data Chemistry Crystallography X-Ray Powder DiffractionGeological EnvironmentType Occurrence SynonymsOther LanguagesCommon AssociatesStrunz-MindatOther InformationInternet Links References Localities Locality List
Christmas Mine, Christmas, Banner Mining District, Gila County, Arizona, USA