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Vauquelinite
A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered
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About Vauquelinite
Louis Nicolas Vauquelin
Formula:
Pb2Cu(CrO4)(PO4)(OH)
Colour:
Olive-green, apple-green, brown to nearly black
Lustre:
Adamantine, Resinous
Hardness:
2½ - 3
Specific Gravity:
6.16
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Name:
Named after Louis Nicolas Vauquelin (16 May 1763, Saint-André-d'Hébertot, Normandy, France - 14 November 1829, Saint-André-d'Hébertot, Normandy, France), Professor of Chemistry, University of Paris (France) and discoverer of chromium. He also discovered beryllium, the first amino acid (asparagine), pectin and malic acid.
Fornacite-Vauquelinite Series. The phosphate analogue of fornacite.
Related to the Brackebuschite Supergroup.
Related to the Brackebuschite Supergroup.
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
4163
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:4163:4
IMA Classification of Vauquelinite
Approved, 'Grandfathered' (first described prior to 1959)
IMA Formula:
Cu2+Pb2+2(Cr6+O4)(PO4)(OH)
First published:
1818
Type description reference:
Classification of Vauquelinite
7.FC.05
7 : SULFATES (selenates, tellurates, chromates, molybdates, wolframates)
F : Chromates
C : With PO4, AsO4, SiO4
7 : SULFATES (selenates, tellurates, chromates, molybdates, wolframates)
F : Chromates
C : With PO4, AsO4, SiO4
43.4.3.1
43 : COMPOUND PHOSPHATES, ETC.
4 : Anhydrous Compound Phosphates, etc·, Containing Hydroxyl or Halogen
43 : COMPOUND PHOSPHATES, ETC.
4 : Anhydrous Compound Phosphates, etc·, Containing Hydroxyl or Halogen
22.5.1
22 : Phosphates, Arsenates or Vanadates with other Anions
5 : Phosphates, arsenates or vanadates with chromate, molybdate, niobate or tantalate
22 : Phosphates, Arsenates or Vanadates with other Anions
5 : Phosphates, arsenates or vanadates with chromate, molybdate, niobate or tantalate
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Vql | 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 Vauquelinite
Adamantine, Resinous
Transparency:
Transparent, Translucent
Colour:
Olive-green, apple-green, brown to nearly black
Streak:
Greenish or brownish
Hardness:
2½ - 3 on Mohs scale
Tenacity:
Brittle
Fracture:
Irregular/Uneven
Density:
6.16 g/cm3 (Measured) 6.16 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Vauquelinite
Type:
Biaxial (-)
RI values:
nα = 2.11(2) nβ = 2.22(2) nγ = 2.22(2)
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.110
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.
No measured or calculated 2V is on file for this mineral, so the value used here (-0°) is estimated from its recorded refractive indices and optic sign, not from a direct 2V measurement.
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.
No measured or calculated 2V is on file for this mineral, so the value used here (-0°) is estimated from its recorded refractive indices and optic sign, not from a direct 2V measurement.
Dispersion:
strong
Pleochroism:
Visible
Comments:
X = Light green
Y = Light brown
Z = Light brown
Y = Light brown
Z = Light brown
Comments:
2V = near zero.
Chemistry of Vauquelinite
Mindat Formula:
Pb2Cu(CrO4)(PO4)(OH)
Element Weights:
Crystallography of Vauquelinite
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Class (H-M):
2/m - Prismatic
Space Group:
P21/c
Setting:
P21/n
Cell Parameters:
a = 13.754(5) Å, b = 5.806(6) Å, c = 9.563(3) Å
β = 94.55°
β = 94.55°
Ratio:
a:b:c = 2.369 : 1 : 1.647
Unit Cell V:
761.25 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
4
Morphology:
Crystals commonly minute and frequently wedge-shaped; irregularly aggregated; and mammillary fibrous forms; reniform; botryoidal; granular, compact.
Twinning:
On {102}.
Crystal Structure
Load
Unit Cell | Unit Cell Packed
2x2x2 | 3x3x3 | 4x4x4
Unit Cell | Unit Cell Packed
2x2x2 | 3x3x3 | 4x4x4
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Data courtesy of the American Mineralogist Crystal Structure Database. Click on an AMCSD ID to view structure
| ID | Species | Reference | Link | Year | Locality | Pressure (GPa) | Temp (K) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0010658 | Vauquelinite | Fanfani L, Zanazzi P F (1968) The crystal structure of vauquelinite and the relationships to fornacite Zeitschrift fur Kristallographie 126 433-443 |  | 1968 | Beresov, Ural Mountains, Russia | 0 | 293 |
CIF Raw Data - click here to close
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 3.271 Å | (100B) |
| 2.986 Å | (80) |
| 4.74 Å | (70) |
| 2.932 Å | (70) |
| 2.768 Å | (70) |
| 2.694 Å | (70) |
| 2.303 Å | (70) |
Comments:
Musonoi mine, Congo. The data are from Deliens (1978).
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| Stage 7: Great Oxidation Event | <2.4 |
| 47a : [Near-surface hydration of prior minerals] | |
| 47c : [Carbonates, phosphates, borates, nitrates] | |
| 47e : [Vanadates, chromates, manganates] |
Geological Setting:
Oxidation zone of some hydrothermal deposits.
Type Occurrence of Vauquelinite
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
No designated type material.
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
Synonyms of Vauquelinite
Other Language Names for Vauquelinite
Dutch:Vauqueliniet
French:Plomb chromé
German:Vauquelinit
Chromphosphorkupferbleispath
Hemiprismatischer Olivenmalachit
Laxmannit
Melnochlor-Malachit
Phosphorchromit
Chromphosphorkupferbleispath
Hemiprismatischer Olivenmalachit
Laxmannit
Melnochlor-Malachit
Phosphorchromit
Russian:Вокелинит
Simplified Chinese:磷铬铜铅矿
Spanish:Laxmannita
Vauquelinita
Vauquelinita
Swedish:Vauqueline
Traditional Chinese:磷鉻銅鉛礦
Relationship of Vauquelinite to other Species
Forms a series with:
Common Associates
Associations Based on Photo Data:
| 146 photos of Vauquelinite associated with Crocoite | PbCr6+O4 |
| 50 photos of Vauquelinite associated with Pyromorphite | Pb5(PO4)3Cl |
| 30 photos of Vauquelinite associated with Quartz | SiO2 |
| 15 photos of Vauquelinite associated with Embreyite | Pb5(CrO4)2(PO4)2 · H2O |
| 11 photos of Vauquelinite associated with Mimetite | Pb5(AsO4)3Cl |
| 9 photos of Vauquelinite associated with Hemihedrite | Pb10Zn(CrO4)6(SiO4)2(OH)2 |
| 8 photos of Vauquelinite associated with Wulfenite | Pb(MoO4) |
| 8 photos of Vauquelinite associated with Phoenicochroite | Pb2(CrO4)O |
| 8 photos of Vauquelinite associated with Cerussite | PbCO3 |
| 5 photos of Vauquelinite associated with Torbernite | Cu(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 12H2O |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 7.FC.10 | Fornacite | Pb2Cu(CrO4)(AsO4)(OH) |
| 7.FC.10 | Molybdofornacite | Pb2Cu(MoO4,CrO4)(AsO4,PO4)(OH) |
| 7.FC.15 | Hemihedrite | Pb10Zn(CrO4)6(SiO4)2(OH)2 |
| 7.FC.15 | Raygrantite | Pb10Zn(SO4)6(SiO4)2(OH)2 |
| 7.FC.15 | Iranite | Pb10Cu(CrO4)6(SiO4)2(OH)2 |
| 7.FC.20 | Embreyite | Pb5(CrO4)2(PO4)2 · H2O |
| 7.FC.20 | Cassedanneite | Pb5(CrO4)2(VO4)2 · H2O |
Other Information
Notes:
Partially soluble in HNO3.
Reported as an alteration product of pyromorphite and as incrustation pseudomorphs after dolomite.
Reported as an alteration product of pyromorphite and as incrustation pseudomorphs after dolomite.
Health Risks:
Contains lead and chromium. Do not inhale dust and wash hands after handling.
Internet Links for Vauquelinite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-4163.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 Vauquelinite
Reference List:
Haüy, René Just (1822) Traité de Minéralogie (2nd ed.) Vol. 3. Bachelier, Paris. p.363 - as Plomb chromé
Davies, Thos. (1877) VI.—Notes on Vauquelinite from Scotland, and Cantonite from Cornwall. Mineralogical Magazine and Journal of the Mineralogical Society, 1 (4) 112-114 doi:10.1180/minmag.1877.001.4.07
Lacroix, A. (1910) Minéralogie de la France et de ses colonies Vol. 4. Library Polytechnique, Paris. p.448
Larsen, Esper S. (1921) The microscopic determination of the nonopaque minerals. Bulletin 679. US Geological Survey doi:10.3133/b679 p.153
Fanfani, L., Zanazzi, P. F. (1967) Structural similarities of some secondary lead minerals. Mineralogical Magazine and Journal of the Mineralogical Society, 36 (280) 522-529 doi:10.1180/minmag.1967.036.280.06
Fanfani, L., Zanazzi, P. F. (1968) The crystal structure of vauquelinite and the relationships to fornacite. Zeitschrift für Kristallographie - Crystalline Materials, 126 (5) 433-443 doi:10.1524/zkri.1968.126.5-6.433
Cesbron, Fabien, Williams, Sydney A. (1980) Iranite˗hémihédrite, bellite, phoenicochroite, vauquelinite et fornacite : synthèse et nouvelles données. Bulletin de Minéralogie, 103 (5) 469-477 doi:10.3406/bulmi.1980.7409
Frost, Ray L. (2004) Raman microscopy of selected chromate minerals. Journal of Raman Spectroscopy, 35 (2). 153-158 doi:10.1002/jrs.1121
Localities for Vauquelinite
Showing 91 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.
Australia | |
| Birch et al. (1997) |
| Pring et al. (2000) |
| Downes et al. (1998) |
| Simpson Mineral Collection of the ... |
Austria | |
| Niedermayr et al. (2001) +1 other reference |
Brazil | |
| Hintze: Handbuch der Mineralogie |
| Historical labels | |
| Eberhard Reich info taken from old ... | |
Czech Republic | |
| Pauliš et al. (2023) |
DR Congo | |
| Piret et al. (1985) |
| Handbook of Mineralogy. +2 other references |
France | |
| Queneau (n.d.) |
| Palache et al. (1951) |
| Wittern et al. (1997) |
| Queneau (n.d.) |
| Queneau (n.d.) |
Germany | |
| Kolitsch et al. (2000) |
| PETITJEAN collection |
| www.mindat.org (n.d.) +3 other references |
| O Dziallas collection | |
| Collection of Steffen Michalski |
| Collection of Steffen Michalski | |
| Collection of Steffen Michalski |
| Petitjean et al. (2000) | |
| Petitjean et al. (2000) | |
| Collection of Steffen Michalski | |
| Lapis (10) | |
| Collection of Steffen Michalski | |
| Collection of Steffen Michalski |
| Weiß (1990) |
| Wittern (2001) |
| Leonhardt et al. (1991) +1 other reference |
Greece | |
| Wendel et al. (1996) +1 other reference |
Hungary | |
| |
Japan | |
| staff.aist.go.jp (n.d.) |
Kazakhstan | |
| Pavel M. Kartashov (n.d.) |
| Pavel M. Kartashov (n.d.) |
Morocco | |
| Favreau (n.d.) |
Namibia | |
| von Bezing (2007) |
Russia | |
| Local geolofist S.V.Kolesnichenko data +1 other reference |
| Pekov et al. (2025) +1 other reference |
| |
| American Mineralogist | |
| Pavel M. Kartashov (n.d.) | |
| Pavel M. Kartashov (n.d.) +1 other reference |
| Palache et al. (1951) +1 other reference |
| Dmitry A. Khanin |
South Africa | |
| Anthony et al. (2016) |
| Gulyaeva et al (1986) | |
| SAMS (South African Micromount Society) |
| SAMS (South African Micromount Society) | |
| Wight (2002) +1 other reference |
UK | |
| Weiß et al. (2001) +1 other reference |
| Steve Rust collection. |
| Davies (1877) +2 other references |
| Davies (1877) +2 other references |
USA | |
| Anthony et al. (1995) |
| Raman identification by Dr. Yang |
| Marek Chorazewicz (2023) |
| Francis Sousa |
| |
| Williams et al. (1970) |
| Silliman (1881) +2 other references | |
| Silliman (1881) +2 other references | |
| Williams (1968) +3 other references |
| Allen et al. (1988) +1 other reference |
| Silliman (1881) +2 other references |
| Williams (1968) +3 other references | |
| Galbraith et al. (1959) +1 other reference |
| PXRD analyzed by Tony Kampf. |
| Williams et al. (1970) +1 other reference |
| james soboleski jr Collection |
| Kampf et al. (2010) |
| Thorne (n.d.) | |
| Joe Marty specimens +1 other reference | |
| in the collection of Eckhard D. Stuart | |
| Housley R. | |
| Marek Chorazewicz (2026) | |
| mineralsocal.org (2020) |
| Collected by and in the collection of ... | |
| www.mineralnews.com (2002) |
| Marek Chorazewicz (2025) |
| Castor et al. (2004) | |
| Castor et al. (2004) +1 other reference |
| Dr. William Wise presentation to the ... |
| Marek Chorazewicz (2025) |
| Castor et al. (2004) |
| Whitlock (1903) |
| Rocks & Minerals: 20: 319. +2 other references |
| Kearns +1 other reference |
Quick NavTopAbout VauqueliniteUnique IdentifiersIMA Classification Classification Mineral SymbolsPhysical Properties Optical Data Chemistry Crystallography Crystal StructureX-Ray Powder DiffractionGeological EnvironmentType Occurrence SynonymsOther LanguagesRelationshipsCommon AssociatesStrunz-MindatOther InformationInternet Links References Localities Locality List
Berezovsk deposit, Beryozovsky, Sverdlovsk Oblast, Russia