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Claraite
A valid IMA mineral species
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About Claraite
The entrance to the Clara mine, a truck leaving for the dumps
Clara Mine, Oberwolfach, Ortenaukreis, Freiburg Region, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
Clara Mine, Oberwolfach, Ortenaukreis, Freiburg Region, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
Formula:
(Cu,Zn)15(CO3)4(AsO4)2(SO4)(OH)14 · 7H2O
Formerly thought to be (Cu,Zn)3(CO3)(OH)4·4H2O.
Colour:
Turquoise blue
Specific Gravity:
3.34 (Calculated)
Crystal System:
Triclinic
Name:
For the type locality, the Clara mine.
First reported by Walenta (1975) as "unnamed copper carbonate" and subsequently approved with the formula (Cu,Zn)3CO3(OH)4.4H2O (Walenta, 1982). Several later studies showed, however, that claraite contains minor, but essential As and S (U. Kolitsch, 2007-2015, unpublished data; Putz, 2011; Kolitsch, 2012; Putz et al., 2012). Claraite was finally redefined, with the help of a crystal-structure determination, as (Cu,Zn)15(AsO4)2(CO3)4(SO4)(OH)14·7H2O (Biagioni & Orlandi, 2017). This makes claraite a species with unique element combination: it is currently the only known arsenate-sulfate-carbonate mineral.
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
1057
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:1057:9
Similar Names
| Clairite | A valid IMA mineral species | (NH4)2Fe3(SO4)4(OH)3 · 3H2O |
| Clarite (of Sandberger) | A synonym of Enargite | |
| Clerite | A valid IMA mineral species | MnSb2S4 |
| Kolarite | A valid IMA mineral species | PbTeCl2 |
| Kularite | A variety of Monazite-(Ce) | (Ce,Nd,La,Eu)[PO4] |
IMA Classification of Claraite
Approved
IMA status notes:
Redefined by the IMA
IMA Formula:
(Cu2+,Zn2+)15(CO3)4(As5+O4)2(S6+O4)(OH)14·7H2O
Approval year:
1981
Approval history:
2016: Proposal IMA 16-L, redefined as a copper hydrated hydroxy-carbonate-arsenate-sulfate mineral having ideal chemical composition (Cu,Zn)15(CO3)4(AsO4)2(SO4)(OH)14·7H2O. Redefinition and crystal structure published by Biagioni & Orlandi (2017).
Type description reference:
Walenta, K., Dunn, P.J. (1982) Clarait, ein neues Karbonatmineral aus der Grube Clara (mittlerer Schwarzwald). Chemie der Erde: 41: 97-102.[with formula given as (Cu,Zn)3CO3(OH)4.4H2O]
Classification of Claraite
5.DA.30
5 : CARBONATES (NITRATES)
D : Carbonates with additional anions, with H2O
A : With medium-sized cations
5 : CARBONATES (NITRATES)
D : Carbonates with additional anions, with H2O
A : With medium-sized cations
16b.4.3.1
16b : HYDRATED CARBONATES CONTAINING HYDROXYL OR HALOGEN
4 : AmBn(XO3)pZqxH2O & with (m+n):p = 3:1
16b : HYDRATED CARBONATES CONTAINING HYDROXYL OR HALOGEN
4 : AmBn(XO3)pZq
11.6.6
11 : Carbonates
6 : Carbonates of Zn and Cd
11 : Carbonates
6 : Carbonates of Zn and Cd
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Clar | 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 Claraite
Transparency:
Translucent
Colour:
Turquoise blue
Cleavage:
Perfect
Perfect {1010}.
Perfect {1010}.
Density:
3.34 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Claraite
Type:
Uniaxial (-)
RI values:
nω = 1.751 nε = 1.645
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.106
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 uniaxial interference figure - the conoscopic
(convergent-light, Bertrand-lens-in) view, for a grain cut with the optic axis
centred and vertical. The coloured rings are isochromatics, computed with the
same physics as the Michel-Lévy bar above; the dark cross is the isogyre.
For a genuinely uniaxial mineral viewed this way, that cross stays perfectly stationary if you rotate the stage - unlike a biaxial mineral, where it splits apart on rotation. That invariance is itself the standard diagnostic test for telling uniaxial and biaxial minerals apart at the microscope.
For a genuinely uniaxial mineral viewed this way, that cross stays perfectly stationary if you rotate the stage - unlike a biaxial mineral, where it splits apart on rotation. That invariance is itself the standard diagnostic test for telling uniaxial and biaxial minerals apart at the microscope.
Chemistry of Claraite
Mindat Formula:
(Cu,Zn)15(CO3)4(AsO4)2(SO4)(OH)14 · 7H2O
Formerly thought to be (Cu,Zn)3(CO3)(OH)4·4H2O.
Formerly thought to be (Cu,Zn)3(CO3)(OH)4·4H2O.
Element Weights:
Common Impurities:
Zn
Crystallography of Claraite
Crystal System:
Triclinic
Class (H-M):
1 - Pinacoidal
Space Group:
P1
Cell Parameters:
a = 10.3343(6) Å, b = 12.8212(7) Å, c = 14.7889(9) Å
α = 113.196(4)°, β = 90.811(4)°, γ = 89.818(4)°
α = 113.196(4)°, β = 90.811(4)°, γ = 89.818(4)°
Ratio:
a:b:c = 0.806 : 1 : 1.153
Unit Cell V:
1800.9 ų
Comment:
Note: originally reported, incorrect cell: hexagonal, a = 26.22, c = 21.56 Å (Walenta, 1982). Subsequently revised by Walenta (1999) to a triclinic cell: 14.28, 8.03, 7.27 Å, 79.16, 107.90, 99.68°.
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 13.59 Å | (100) |
| 7.78 Å | (5) |
| 7.76 Å | (13) |
| 7.69 Å | (2) |
| 6.80 Å | (3) |
| 6.40 Å | (4) |
| 5.70 Å | (8) |
| 5.45 Å | (2) |
| 5.43 Å | (2) |
| 5.17 Å | (4) |
| 5.12 Å | (4) |
| 5.11 Å | (4) |
| 4.338 Å | (3) |
| 4.315 Å | (3) |
| 3.675 Å | (4) |
| 3.669 Å | (3) |
| 3.626 Å | (9) |
| 3.398 Å | (3) |
| 2.950 Å | (8) |
| 2.850 Å | (3) |
| 2.813 Å | (2) |
| 2.792 Å | (3) |
| 2.718 Å | (3) |
| 2.717 Å | (2) |
Comments:
Calculated pattern (Biagoni et al., 2017); reflections with I(calc) = 1 not shown. Originally reported pattern has incorrect intensities [13.47 (10), 7.84 (9), 3.65 (8), 5.17 (6), 2.96 (6), 3.24 (5), 2.72 (4)].
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| Stage 7: Great Oxidation Event | <2.4 |
| 47a : [Near-surface hydration of prior minerals] | |
| 47b : [Sulfates and sulfites] | |
| 47c : [Carbonates, phosphates, borates, nitrates] | |
| 47d : [Arsenates, antimonates, selenates, bismuthinates] |
Type Occurrence of Claraite
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany.
National Museum of Natural History (Smithsonian), Washington, D.C., USA, 148464.
National Museum of Natural History (Smithsonian), Washington, D.C., USA, 148464.
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
Reference:
Walenta, K., Dunn, P.J. (1982) Clarait, ein neues Karbonatmineral aus der Grube Clara (mittlerer Schwarzwald). Chemie der Erde: 41: 97-102.[with formula given as (Cu,Zn)3CO3(OH)4.4H2O]
Synonyms of Claraite
Other Language Names for Claraite
Common Associates
Associations Based on Photo Data:
| 76 photos of Claraite associated with Azurite | Cu3(CO3)2(OH)2 |
| 54 photos of Claraite associated with Theisite | Cu5Zn5(AsO4,SbO4)2(OH)14 |
| 32 photos of Claraite associated with Malachite | Cu2(CO3)(OH)2 |
| 8 photos of Claraite associated with Strashimirite | Cu8(AsO4)4(OH)4 · 5H2O |
| 7 photos of Claraite associated with Clinoatacamite | Cu2(OH)3Cl |
| 6 photos of Claraite associated with Tyrolite | Ca2Cu9(AsO4)4(CO3)(OH)8 · 11H2O |
| 4 photos of Claraite associated with Fluorite | CaF2 |
| 4 photos of Claraite associated with Chalcopyrite | CuFeS2 |
| 4 photos of Claraite associated with Brochantite | Cu4(SO4)(OH)6 |
| 4 photos of Claraite associated with Quartz | SiO2 |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 5.DA. | Alexkhomyakovite | K6(Ca2Na)(CO3)5Cl · 6H2O |
| 5.DA. | Amoraite | Ca12Al6(OH)36(CO3)2(SO3) · 15H2O |
| 5.DA.05 | Dypingite | Mg5(CO3)4(OH)2 · 5H2O |
| 5.DA.05 | 'UM1986-10-CO:ClHMgMnZn (also called Mineral F, Dunn, 1995)' | Mg5(Zn,Mn)3(CO3)2(OH,Cl)12 · H2O |
| 5.DA.05 | 'UM1987-01-CO:HMgS' | Mg4(CO3)2(OH)4 · 6H2O ? |
| 5.DA.05 | Giorgiosite | Mg5(CO3)4(OH)2 · 5-6H2O |
| 5.DA.05 | Hydromagnesite | Mg5(CO3)4(OH)2 · 4H2O |
| 5.DA.05 | Widgiemoolthalite | Ni5(CO3)4(OH)2 · 5H2O |
| 5.DA.10 | Artinite | Mg2(CO3)(OH)2 · 3H2O |
| 5.DA.10 | Chlorartinite | Mg2(CO3)(OH)Cl · 2H2O |
| 5.DA.10 | Indigirite | Mg2Al2(CO3)4(OH)2 · 15H2O |
| 5.DA.15 | Zaratite | Ni3(CO3)(OH)4 · 4H2O ? |
| 5.DA.15 | Otwayite | Ni2(CO3)(OH)2 · H2O |
| 5.DA.20 | Kambaldaite | NaNi4(CO3)3(OH)3 · 3H2O |
| 5.DA.25 | Callaghanite | Cu2Mg2(CO3)(OH)6 · 2H2O |
| 5.DA.35 | Hydroscarbroite | Al14(CO3)3(OH)36 · nH2O |
| 5.DA.35 | Scarbroite | Al5(CO3)(OH)13 · 5H2O |
| 5.DA.40 | Karchevskyite | Mg18Al9(OH)54Sr2(CO3)9(H2O)6(H3O)5 |
| 5.DA.40 | 'UM1987-05-OH:AlCMg' | Mg4Al2(OH)12(CO3,SO4) · 3H2O |
| 5.DA.40 | Quintinite | Mg4Al2(OH)12(CO3) · 3H2O |
| 5.DA.40 | Charmarite | Mn2+4Al2(OH)12[CO3] · 3H2O |
| 5.DA.40 | Caresite | Fe2+4Al2(OH)12[CO3] · 3H2O |
| 5.DA.45 | 'Hydrotalcite-2H' | Mg6Al2(CO3)(OH)16 · 4H2O |
| 5.DA.45 | 'Stichtite-2H' | Mg6(Cr,Al)2(CO3)(OH)16 · 4H2O |
| 5.DA.45 | Brugnatellite | Mg6Fe3+(CO3)(OH)13 · 4H2O |
| 5.DA.45 | Zaccagnaite | Zn4Al2(OH)12[CO3] · 3H2O |
| 5.DA.45 | 'Pyroaurite-2H' | Mg6Fe3+2(OH)16(CO3) · 4H2O |
| 5.DA.45 | Liudongshengite | Zn4Cr2(OH)12(CO3) · 3H2O |
| 5.DA.45 | Chlormagaluminite | Mg4Al2(OH)12Cl2 · 3H2O |
| 5.DA.50 | Pyroaurite | Mg6Fe3+2(OH)16[CO3] · 4H2O |
| 5.DA.50 | Takovite | Ni6Al2(OH)16[CO3] · 4H2O |
| 5.DA.50 | Reevesite | Ni6Fe3+2(OH)16(CO3) · 4H2O |
| 5.DA.50 | Kaznakhtite | Ni6Co3+2(CO3)(OH)16 · 4H2O |
| 5.DA.50 | Comblainite | Ni4Co2(OH)12[CO3] · 3H2O |
| 5.DA.50 | Marioantofilliite | [Cu4Al2(OH)12](CO3) · 3H2O |
| 5.DA.50 | Hydrotalcite | Mg6Al2(CO3)(OH)16 · 4H2O |
| 5.DA.50 | Stichtite | Mg6Cr3+2(OH)16[CO3] · 4H2O |
| 5.DA.50 | Desautelsite | Mg6Mn3+2(OH)16[CO3] · 4H2O |
| 5.DA.55 | Coalingite | Mg10Fe3+2(OH)24[CO3] · 2H2O |
| 5.DA.55 | Akopovaite | Al4Li2(OH)12(CO3)(H2O)3 |
| 5.DA.60 | Šlikite | Zn2Mg(CO3)2(OH)2 · 4H2O |
| 5.DA.65 | Marklite | Cu5(CO3)2(OH)6 · 6H2O |
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 Claraite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-1057.html
Please feel free to link to this page.
Please feel free to link to this page.
Search Engines:
External Links:
Mineral Dealers:
References for Claraite
Reference List:
Fleischer, M., Mandarino, A. (1977) New mineral names. American Mineralogist, 62 (1-2). 173-176 p.175
Walenta, K., Dunn, P.J. (1982) Clarait, ein neues Karbonatmineral aus der Grube Clara (mittlerer Schwarzwald). Chemie der Erde: 41: 97-102.[with formula given as (Cu,Zn)3CO3(OH)4.4H2O]
Dunn, Pete J., Fleischer, Michael, Burns, Roger G., Pabst, Adolf (1983) New mineral names. American Mineralogist, 68 (3-4) 471-475
Schnorrer, G. (2000): Mineralogische Notizen VII. Der Aufschluss, 51, 281-293.[mentions minor As & S in the analysed claraite]
Putz, H., Lechner, A. & Poeverlein, R. (2012): Erythrin und Clarait vom Pichlerstollen am Silberberg bei Rattenberg, Nordtirol. Lapis, 37 (1), 47-52; 62 (in German).[also on U184 = claraite and U130 = claraite]
Localities for Claraite
Showing 64 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.
Austria | |
| Puttner (1998) |
| Pichler (2009) |
| Steir.Mineralog 25/2011 |
| Niedermayr et al. (1995) |
| ... | |
| Puttner (1996) | |
| Niedermayr (2001) |
| Putz (2011) |
| Poeverlein (2008) | |
| C.Auer (2024) |
| Auer (2024) |
| Kolitsch et al. (2012) |
| Schnorrer et al. (2010) |
| Schnorrer et al. (2005) | |
| Schnorrer+Poeverlein (2005) | |
| C.Auer (2016) | |
| J.Metzger (2012) | |
| Marco E. Ciriotti 15/10/2005 |
| C.Auer (2026) | |
| Schnorrer et al. (2002) |
| Der Aufschluß (2006) |
| 62 (in German) +1 other reference |
| Putz et al. (2007) |
| C.Auer (2021) |
| C.Auer (2015) |
| Arlt et al. (1994) | |
| Schnorrer et al. (2007) |
Chile | |
| Robert A. Jenkins find - personal ... |
France | |
| Hartmut Hensel collection |
| Forner et al. (1997) |
| Deliens et al. (1993) |
| Christian Berbain collection | |
| Berbain et al. (2019) |
| Pascal Chollet Collection - SEM-EDS ... |
| Patrice Queneau Collection visual identification. Confirmed. Analyzed by Nicolas Meisser (Naturéum) |
| www.mine-capgaronne.fr (2003) |
Germany (TL) | |
| Walenta et al. (1982) |
| Schnorrer (2000) +1 other reference |
| Schnorrer et al. (2006) |
| Bender et al. (1994) |
| Henrich et al. (2019) |
| Blaß et al. (1995) |
Hungary | |
| Szakáll et al. (1997) |
Italy | |
| Bortolozzi et al. (2018) |
| Bortolozzi et al. (2015) +1 other reference |
| Balestra et al. (2011) |
| Paolangelo Cerea et al. (†) |
| Vergani (2019) +1 other reference |
| Orlandi et al. (2009) |
| Orlandi et al. (2009) +1 other reference |
| Museum of Natural History of the Pisa ... |
| Orlandi (1999) +1 other reference |
Spain | |
| Georges FAVREAU collection & EDX ... |
| Garrido et al. (2013) +1 other reference |
| Mineralogía de la concesión San Rafael |
| issuu.com (n.d.) +1 other reference |
Switzerland | |
| Zanelli et al. (2026) |
| Cuchet et al. (2012) |
| |
| Stalder et al. (1998) | |
| EDXS analyses +1 other reference |
| Ansermet (2012) | |
| Cuchet et al. (2002) |
USA | |
| MarekC (2019) |
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Clara Mine, Oberwolfach, Ortenaukreis, Freiburg Region, Baden-Württemberg, Germany