If you are fascinated by the hidden structures of our planet, you have likely come across
MAMMOTHITE. This mineral is a compelling subject for study, offering a unique glimpse into the complex chemistry that shapes the Earth’s crust.Whether you are a student identifying a hand sample, a researcher looking for crystallographic data, or a collector curious about a new find, this guide breaks down everything you need to know about
MAMMOTHITE. From its precise chemical formula to the geological environments where it thrives, let’s explore what makes this mineral distinct.
The Chemistry Behind the Crystal
Every mineral tells a story through its chemistry. At its core,
MAMMOTHITE is defined by the chemical formula
Pb6Cu4Al(SbO2OH)(SO4)2(OH)15Cl4.This isn’t just a string of letters and numbers; it represents the precise recipe of elements that nature used to build this specimen. This specific chemical composition is what gives the mineral its stability and dictates how it reacts with acids, heat, or other minerals. It is the fundamental “DNA” that geologists use to classify it within the larger mineral kingdom.
Crystallography: Geometry in Nature
One of the most beautiful aspects of mineralogy is the hidden geometry within every stone.
MAMMOTHITE crystallizes in the
Monoclinic system.Think of this as the mineral’s architectural blueprint. It dictates the symmetry and the angles at which the crystal faces grow. Digging deeper into its symmetry, it falls under the
Sphenoidal.
- Point Group: 2
- Space Group: C2
Why does this matter? These crystallographic details are like a fingerprint. They influence optical properties—how light travels through the crystal—and physical traits like how it breaks or cleaves when struck.
Internal Structure and Unit Cell
If we could zoom in to the atomic level, we would see the “Unit Cell”—the smallest repeating box of atoms that builds up the entire crystal. For
MAMMOTHITE, the dimensions of this microscopic building block are:
a=18.93Å, b=7.33Å, c=11.53Å, ß=112.4o, Z=2
The internal arrangement of these atoms is described as:
Sulfates, selenates, tellurates: typified by SO4, SeO4,TeO4 tetrahedra, octahedrally coordinated cations can be insular, corner-sharing, or edge sharing with add’l anions w/o H2O with medium-sized & large cations; corner-sharing Cu(OH)4 & CuO(OH)4 polyhedra form chains along [010]; chains linked into framework by Al[6] & Sb[6] octahedra & Pb[9] polyhedra; isolated SO4 tetrahedra lodged in cavities; connected to framework by H—bonding.1 There are 3 xllographical distinct Pb sites with 2 diff coordinations: [Pb1O8Cl1] is mono-capped □ antiprism polyhedron, while [Pb21O7Cl2] & [Pb22O7Cl2] are tricapped trig prism; both Cu2+ sites have distorted [4 + 2] octahedral coordination due to Jahn-Teller effect; Al & Sb sites are regular-octahedral coordination with O atoms; [SO4] tetrahedron is quite distorted, with S—O bond lengths from 1.45 to 1.52 Å & subtended O-S-O angles varying from 106 to 113o; in structure there are 8 (OH)- anions; all 8 H atoms pfu are loc, & it is these structure sites that reduce symmetry from centric to acentric; framework structure with distinct layering; there are 2 layer types in structure || (001); there are 3 octahedrally coordinated sites; 2 are occupied by Cu atoms & 1 by Al atom in octahedral layer; tetragonal di-∆ [CuØ6] are linked forming ‘olivine-like’ chains || to b-axis; 2nd layer, termed cross-linked layer, has 3 [PbØ9] polyhedra with shared edges forming chains || to b-axis, like [CuØ6] tetragonal di-∆; these chains are cross-linked by edge sharing [SbO6] octahedra & decorated with [SO4] grp; H atoms are in ‘holes’ within both layers.2This internal structure is the invisible framework that supports everything we see on the outside, from the mineral’s density to its hardness.
Physical Appearance (Habit)
When you find
MAMMOTHITE in the field, what does it actually look like? A mineral’s “habit” describes its typical shape and growth pattern.
- Common Habit: Tabular or prismatic crystals, elongated, commonly in parallel to radial aggregates
- Twinning:
Twinning is a fascinating phenomenon where two or more crystals grow interlocked in a specific symmetrical pattern. If MAMMOTHITE exhibits twinning, it can be a dead giveaway for identification, distinguishing it from look-alike minerals.
Where is it Found? (Geologic Occurrence)
Minerals are the products of their environment. They don’t just appear anywhere; they need specific conditions—pressure, temperature, and chemical ingredients—to form.
Geologic Occurrence:
Oxidized zone of hydrothermal polymetallic base-metal deposit; sea water action on slagKnowing this context helps geologists reconstruct the history of a rock formation. It tells us whether the rock was born from cooling magma, settled in an ancient ocean, or was transformed by the intense heat and pressure of metamorphism. For more broad geological context, resources like the
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) provide excellent maps and data.
Related Minerals
No mineral exists in a vacuum.
MAMMOTHITE is often related to other species, either through similar chemistry or structure.
Relationship Data:Understanding these relationships is key. It helps us see the “family tree” of the mineral world, showing how different elements can substitute for one another to create an entirely new species with similar properties.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the chemical formula of MAMMOTHITE?The standard chemical formula for MAMMOTHITE is
Pb6Cu4Al(SbO2OH)(SO4)2(OH)15Cl4. This defines its elemental composition.
2. Which crystal system does MAMMOTHITE belong to?MAMMOTHITE crystallizes in the
Monoclinic system. Its internal symmetry is further classified under the Sphenoidal class.
3. How is MAMMOTHITE typically found in nature?The “habit” or typical appearance of MAMMOTHITE is described as
Tabular or prismatic crystals, elongated, commonly in parallel to radial aggregates. This refers to the shape the crystals take when they grow without obstruction.
4. In what geological environments does MAMMOTHITE form?MAMMOTHITE is typically found in environments described as:
Oxidized zone of hydrothermal polymetallic base-metal deposit; sea water action on slag. This gives clues to the geological history of the area where it is discovered.
5. Are there other minerals related to MAMMOTHITE?Yes, it is often associated with or related to other minerals such as:
.
External Resources for Further Study
For those looking to dive deeper into the specific mineralogical data of
MAMMOTHITE, we recommend checking high-authority databases:
Final Thoughts
MAMMOTHITE is more than just a name on a list; it is a testament to the orderly and beautiful laws of nature. With a chemical backbone of
Pb6Cu4Al(SbO2OH)(SO4)2(OH)15Cl4 and a structure defined by the
Monoclinic system, it holds a specific and important place in the study of mineralogy.We hope this overview has helped clarify the essential data points for this specimen. Whether for academic study or personal interest, understanding these properties brings us one step closer to understanding the Earth itself.
