Log InRegister
Quick Links : The Mindat ManualThe Rock H. Currier Digital LibraryMindat Newsletter [Free Download]
Home PageAbout MindatThe Mindat ManualHistory of MindatCopyright StatusWho We AreContact UsAdvertise on Mindat
Donate to MindatCorporate SponsorshipSponsor a PageSponsored PagesMindat AdvertisersAdvertise on Mindat
Learning CenterWhat is a mineral?The most common minerals on earthInformation for EducatorsMindat ArticlesThe ElementsThe Rock H. Currier Digital LibraryGeologic Time
Minerals by PropertiesMinerals by ChemistryAdvanced Locality SearchRandom MineralRandom LocalitySearch by minIDLocalities Near MeSearch ArticlesSearch GlossaryMore Search Options
Search For:
Mineral Name:
Locality Name:
Keyword(s):
 
The Mindat ManualAdd a New PhotoRate PhotosLocality Edit ReportCoordinate Completion ReportAdd Glossary Item
Mining CompaniesStatisticsUsersMineral MuseumsClubs & OrganizationsMineral Shows & EventsThe Mindat DirectoryDevice SettingsThe Mineral Quiz
Photo SearchPhoto GalleriesSearch by ColorNew Photos TodayNew Photos YesterdayMembers' Photo GalleriesPast Photo of the Day GalleryPhotography

Emmonsite

A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered
This page is currently not sponsored. Click here to sponsor this page.
Hide all sections | Show all sections

About EmmonsiteHide

00201760017271922764882.jpg
Samuel Franklin Emmons
Formula:
Fe3+2(TeO3)3 · 2H2O
Colour:
Yellowish-green; light yellow-green in transmitted light.
Lustre:
Vitreous
Hardness:
5
Specific Gravity:
4.52 - 4.55
Crystal System:
Triclinic
Name:
For American economic geologist, Samuel Franklin Emmons (1841-1911), U.S. Geological Survey.
This page provides mineralogical data about Emmonsite.


Unique IdentifiersHide

Mindat ID:
1377
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:1377:8

IMA Classification of EmmonsiteHide

Approved, 'Grandfathered' (first described prior to 1959)
IMA Formula:
Fe3+2(Te4+O3)3 · 2H2O
First published:
1885

Classification of EmmonsiteHide

4.JM.10

4 : OXIDES (Hydroxides, V[5,6] vanadates, arsenites, antimonites, bismuthites, sulfites, selenites, tellurites, iodates)
J : Arsenites, antimonites, bismuthites, sulfites, selenites, tellurites; iodates
M : Tellurites without additional anions, with H2O
34.3.3.1

34 : SELENITES, TELLURITES AND SULFITES
3 : A2(XO3)3·xH2O
28.3.21

28 : Selenites, Selenates, Tellurites, and Tellurates
3 : Tellurites

Mineral SymbolsHide

As of 2021 there are now IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols (abbreviations) for each mineral species, useful for tables and diagrams.

SymbolSourceReference
EmsIMA–CNMNCWarr, L.N. (2021). IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols. Mineralogical Magazine, 85(3), 291-320. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43

Pronunciation of EmmonsiteHide

Pronunciation:
PlayRecorded byCountry
Jolyon RalphUnited Kingdom

Physical Properties of EmmonsiteHide

Vitreous
Transparency:
Translucent
Colour:
Yellowish-green; light yellow-green in transmitted light.
Hardness:
Cleavage:
Perfect
On {010}, perfect plus 2 unequal cleavages inclined relative to it, making plane angles of 85° and 95° in {010}.
Density:
4.52 - 4.55 g/cm3 (Measured)    4.719 g/cm3 (Calculated)

Optical Data of EmmonsiteHide

Type:
Biaxial (-)
RI values:
nα = 1.962 nβ = 2.090 nγ = 2.100 - 2.120
2V:
Measured: 23° , Calculated: 28° to 48°
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.138 - 0.158
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.

Surface Relief:
Moderate
Dispersion:
relatively strong r > v
Pleochroism:
Weak

Chemistry of EmmonsiteHide

Mindat Formula:
Fe3+2(TeO3)3 · 2H2O
Element Weights:
Element% weight
Te56.752 %
O26.092 %
Fe16.559 %
H0.598 %

Calculated from ideal end-member formula.

Crystallography of EmmonsiteHide

Crystal System:
Triclinic
Class (H-M):
1 - Pinacoidal
Space Group:
P1
Cell Parameters:
a = 7.90(1) Å, b = 8.00(1) Å, c = 7.62(1) Å
α = 96.73°, β = 95°, γ = 84.47°
Ratio:
a:b:c = 0.988 : 1 : 0.953
Unit Cell V:
474.64 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
2
Morphology:
Radially-configured or lichen-like groups of rough, acicular crystals; druses of thin scales; compact microcrystalline masses. Fibrous crusts with a small botryoidal surface to isolated globular aggregates.
Twinning:
Observed in microscopic crystals (Goldfield, Nevada).

Crystal StructureHide

Load
Unit Cell | Unit Cell Packed
2x2x2 | 3x3x3 | 4x4x4
Show
Big Balls | Small Balls | Just Balls | Spacefill
Polyhedra Off | Si Polyhedra | All Polyhedra
Remove metal-metal sticks
Display Options
Black Background | White Background
Perspective On | Perspective Off
2D | Stereo | Red-Blue | Red-Cyan
View
CIF File    Best | x | y | z | a | b | c
Rotation
Stop | Start
Labels
Console Off | On | Grey | Yellow
IDSpeciesReferenceLinkYearLocalityPressure (GPa)Temp (K)
0015641EmmonsitePertlik F (1972) Der strukturtyp von emmonsit, {Fe2[TeO3]3*H2O}*xH2O (x=0-1) Tschermaks Mineralogische und Petrographische Mitteilungen 18 157-1681972Tombstone, Arizona, USA0293
CIF Raw Data - click here to close

X-Ray Powder DiffractionHide

Powder Diffraction Data:
d-spacingIntensity
3.14 Å(100)
2.87 Å(90)
2.52 Å(90)
3.69 Å(80)
2.67 Å(80)
1.80 Å(80)
5.81 Å(70)

Geological EnvironmentHide

Paragenetic Mode(s):
Paragenetic ModeEarliest Age (Ga)
Stage 7: Great Oxidation Event<2.4
47a : [Near-surface hydration of prior minerals]
47e : [Vanadates, chromates, manganates]
Geological Setting:
Oxidized zones of tellurium-bearing ore bodies.

Type Occurrence of EmmonsiteHide

Place of Conservation of Type Material:
Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA, 5.6300.
Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA, 97503.
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:

Synonyms of EmmonsiteHide

Other Language Names for EmmonsiteHide

Dutch:Emmonsiet
German:Emmonsit
Spanish:Emmonsita

Common AssociatesHide

Associated Minerals Based on Photo Data:
24 photos of Emmonsite associated with Schmitterite(UO2)(TeO3)
15 photos of Emmonsite associated with QuartzSiO2
9 photos of Emmonsite associated with MackayiteFe3+(Te4+2O5)(OH)
8 photos of Emmonsite associated with MoctezumitePb(UO2)(TeO3)2
8 photos of Emmonsite associated with SonoraiteFe3+(TeO3)(OH) · H2O
7 photos of Emmonsite associated with Native TelluriumTe
5 photos of Emmonsite associated with GoethiteFe3+O(OH)
5 photos of Emmonsite associated with Native GoldAu
4 photos of Emmonsite associated with CuzticiteFe3+2(TeO6) · 3H2O
4 photos of Emmonsite associated with BromargyriteAgBr

Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat GroupingHide

4.JM.WortupaiteMgNi2+2(Te4+O3)3 · 3H2OHex. 6/m : P63/m
4.JM.RudolfhermanniteFe2(Te4+O3)3 · H2OHex. 6/m : P63/m
4.JM.05ZemanniteMg0.5ZnFe3+(Te4+O3)3 · 4.5H2OTrig. 3 : P3
4.JM.05KeystoneiteMg0.5Ni2+Fe3+(Te4+O3)3 · 4.5H2OHex. 6 : P63
4.JM.05KinichiliteMg0.5Mn2+Fe3+(Te4+O3)3 · 4.5H2OHex. 6/m : P63/m
4.JM.05IlirneyiteMg0.5ZnMn3+(Te4+O3)3 · 4.5H2OHex. 6/m : P63/m
4.JM.10BlakeiteFe3+2[TeO3]3 (?)
4.JM.15GraemiteCu[TeO3] · H2OOrth. mmm (2/m 2/m 2/m) : Pmma
4.JM.20TelluromandarinoiteFe3+2Te3O9 · 6H2O Mon. 2/m : P21/b
4.JM.20TeineiteCu2+(Te4+O3) · 2H2OOrth. 2 2 2 : P21 21 21
4.JM.25MillsiteCu2+(Te4+O3) · 2H2OMon. 2/m : P21/b

Other InformationHide

Notes:
Readily soluble in strong acids.
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 EmmonsiteHide

References for EmmonsiteHide

Reference List:

Localities for EmmonsiteHide

This map shows a selection of localities that have latitude and longitude coordinates recorded. Click on the symbol to view information about a locality. The symbol next to localities in the list can be used to jump to that position on the map.

Locality ListHide

- 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). Struck out - Mineral was erroneously reported from this locality. Faded * - Never found at this locality but inferred to have existed at some point in the past (e.g. from pseudomorphs).

All localities listed without proper references should be considered as questionable.
Australia
 
  • Western Australia
    • Kalgoorlie-Boulder Shire
      • Kalgoorlie-Boulder
- (1903)
Simpson (1948)
Simpson (1948)
Chile
 
  • Coquimbo
    • Elqui Province
"Faja de mineralización de oro +2 other references
      • Vicuña
        • Tambo Mine
[AmMin 85:1324] +3 other references
China
 
  • Hebei
    • Zhangjiakou
      • Chongli District
        • Shuiquangou Complex
Jiuling Li et al. (2001)
Honduras
 
  • Francisco Morazán Department
    • Ojojona
Dana and Wells (1890) +1 other reference
Japan
 
  • Hokkaidō Prefecture
    • Ishikari Subprefecture
      • Sapporo City
島倉広至 et al. (2015)
  • Shizuoka Prefecture
    • Shimoda City
      • Rendaiji
- (n.d.) +2 other references
Mexico
 
  • Sonora
    • Moctezuma Municipality
Lapis 2001 (1)
Panczner (1987)
Lapis 2001 (1)
Lapis 2001 (1)
Spain
 
  • Andalusia
    • Almería
      • Cuevas del Almanzora
        • Las Herrerías
Navarro et al. (2009)
      • Níjar
        • Rodalquilar
Sierra Lopez et al. (1968)
USA
 
  • Arizona
    • Cochise County
Hillebrand (1885) +3 other references
        • Contention-Grand Central Mine group
Anthony et al. (1995)
www.azminerals.com
Williams (1981) +1 other reference
Anthony et al. (1995)
        • Silver Plume Mine
Robert PECORINI collection
Hillebrand (1885) +2 other references
Bideaux et al. (1960) +1 other reference
  • California
Larsen (1917) +4 other references
  • Colorado
    • Teller County
Palache et al. (1951) +1 other reference
Carnein et al. (2005)
Carnein et al. (2005)
USGS Professional Paper 54 +1 other reference
  • Nevada
    • Esmeralda County
      • Diamondfield Mining District
Castor et al. (2004)
Castor et al. (2004)
Palache et al. (1951)
        • Goldfield
Castor et al. (2004)
Castor et al. (2004)
Rocks & Minerals. Nov. 1999.
Castor et al. (2004)
    • Lincoln County
      • Delamar Mining District
        • Delamar Mine
Kampf et al. (2022)
    • Nye County
      • Halfpint Range
Castor et al. (2004)
  • New Mexico
    • Catron County
      • Wilcox Mining District
        • Lone Pine Hill area
Walstrom (n.d.) +1 other reference
    • Grant County
Palache et al. (1951) +1 other reference
Northrop et al. (1996)
Northrop et al. (1996)
  • South Dakota
    • Lawrence County
      • Ruby Basin Mining District
Roberts et al. (1965)
      • Trojan Mining District
Smith et al. (2000)
  • Utah
    • East Tintic Mountains
      • Tintic Mining District
        • Mammoth
Collected and analyzed by John Dagenais
    • Utah County
      • East Tintic Mining District
XRD analyzed by Dr. Rob Bowell.
 
and/or  
Mindat.org is an outreach project of the Hudson Institute of Mineralogy, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization.
Copyright © mindat.org and the Hudson Institute of Mineralogy 1993-2025, except where stated. Most political location boundaries are © OpenStreetMap contributors. Mindat.org relies on the contributions of thousands of members and supporters. Founded in 2000 by Jolyon Ralph.
To cite: Ralph, J., Von Bargen, D., Martynov, P., Zhang, J., Que, X., Prabhu, A., Morrison, S. M., Li, W., Chen, W., & Ma, X. (2025). Mindat.org: The open access mineralogy database to accelerate data-intensive geoscience research. American Mineralogist, 110(6), 833–844. doi:10.2138/am-2024-9486.
Privacy Policy - Terms & Conditions - Contact Us / DMCA issues - Report a bug/vulnerability Current server date and time: August 13, 2025 14:57:57 Page updated: August 12, 2025 06:52:47
Go to top of page