Ktenasite
A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered
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About Ktenasite
Konstantinos Ktenas
Formula:
ZnCu4(SO4)2(OH)6 · 6H2O
Originally given as (Cu,Zn)5(SO4)2(OH)6.6H2O; changed to present formula by executive decision taken by the CNMNC during approval of fehrite.
Colour:
Blue-green to emerald-green
Lustre:
Vitreous
Hardness:
2 - 2½
Specific Gravity:
2.94 - 2.97
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Member of:
Name:
Named by P. Kokkoros in 1950 after Konstantinos A. Ktenas (1885-1935), Greek physician, professor of mineralogy and petrology (since 1908). Dean (1918) of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Director of the Museum of Mineralogy and Palaeontology and of the Zoological Museum of the University (1918). Head of the Greek Geological Survey and one of the founding members of the Academy of Athens (1926).
Rare secondary copper-zinc sulphate with typical pseudo-orthorhombic habit.
The Zn analogue of gobelinite and fehrite.
Mg- or Cd-bearing varieties are also known (U. Kolitsch & G. Giester, unpublished results), as well as a Zn-dominant (on one of the Cu sites) analogue (Unnamed (Zn-analogue of Ktenasite)) and a Ni-dominant analogue, asagiite.
Ktenasite may have to be split up into a Cu- and a Zn-dominant species; the crystal structure contains a Zn site, a Cu site and a mixed Cu/Zn site with variable occupancy (U. Kolitsch & G. Giester, unpublished results). Data of Livingstone (1991) suggest dominant Zn on at least two sites, although this suggestion is based only on chemical analyses.
A joint proposal on the complex nomenclature of ktenasite-type minerals is in preparation (Leverett, Sciberras, Williams, Kolitsch, Giester, Hibbs et al., 2009-2020).
The Zn analogue of gobelinite and fehrite.
Mg- or Cd-bearing varieties are also known (U. Kolitsch & G. Giester, unpublished results), as well as a Zn-dominant (on one of the Cu sites) analogue (Unnamed (Zn-analogue of Ktenasite)) and a Ni-dominant analogue, asagiite.
Ktenasite may have to be split up into a Cu- and a Zn-dominant species; the crystal structure contains a Zn site, a Cu site and a mixed Cu/Zn site with variable occupancy (U. Kolitsch & G. Giester, unpublished results). Data of Livingstone (1991) suggest dominant Zn on at least two sites, although this suggestion is based only on chemical analyses.
A joint proposal on the complex nomenclature of ktenasite-type minerals is in preparation (Leverett, Sciberras, Williams, Kolitsch, Giester, Hibbs et al., 2009-2020).
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
2282
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:2282:4
IMA Classification of Ktenasite
Approved, 'Grandfathered' (first described prior to 1959)
Classification of Ktenasite
7.DD.20
7 : SULFATES (selenates, tellurates, chromates, molybdates, wolframates)
D : Sulfates (selenates, etc.) with additional anions, with H2O
D : With only medium-sized cations; sheets of edge-sharing octahedra
7 : SULFATES (selenates, tellurates, chromates, molybdates, wolframates)
D : Sulfates (selenates, etc.) with additional anions, with H2O
D : With only medium-sized cations; sheets of edge-sharing octahedra
31.6.3.1
31 : HYDRATED SULFATES CONTAINING HYDROXYL OR HALOGEN
6 : (AB)5(XO4)2Zq·xH2O
31 : HYDRATED SULFATES CONTAINING HYDROXYL OR HALOGEN
6 : (AB)5(XO4)2Zq·xH2O
25.5.4
25 : Sulphates
5 : Sulphates of Zn and Hg
25 : Sulphates
5 : Sulphates of Zn and Hg
Mineral Symbols
As of 2021 there are now IMAâCNMNC approved mineral symbols (abbreviations) for each mineral species, useful for tables and diagrams.
| Symbol | Source | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Kte | IMAâCNMNC | Warr, L.N. (2021). IMAâCNMNC approved mineral symbols. Mineralogical Magazine, 85(3), 291-320. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43 |
Physical Properties of Ktenasite
Vitreous
Transparency:
Transparent
Colour:
Blue-green to emerald-green
Hardness:
2 - 2½ on Mohs scale
Density:
2.94 - 2.97 g/cm3 (Measured) 2.97 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Ktenasite
Type:
Biaxial (-)
RI values:
nα = 1.574 nβ = 1.613 - 1.615 nγ = 1.623 - 1.628
2V:
Measured: 51° to 59°, Calculated: 50°
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.049 - 0.054
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 ”m 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 ”m 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:
r > v
Pleochroism:
Visible
Comments:
X = colorless; Y = bluish green; Z = pale green.
Chemistry of Ktenasite
Mindat Formula:
ZnCu4(SO4)2(OH)6 · 6H2O
Originally given as (Cu,Zn)5(SO4)2(OH)6.6H2O; changed to present formula by executive decision taken by the CNMNC during approval of fehrite.
Originally given as (Cu,Zn)5(SO4)2(OH)6.6H2O; changed to present formula by executive decision taken by the CNMNC during approval of fehrite.
Element Weights:
Chemical Analysis
wt%
| 1 | |
|---|---|
| Cu | 37.9 % |
| Zn | 16.6 % |
| S | 24.0 % |
| H | 22.0 % |
| Total: | 100.5 % |
Crystallography of Ktenasite
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Class (H-M):
2/m - Prismatic
Space Group:
P21/b
Setting:
P21/c
Cell Parameters:
a = 5.596(2) Å, b = 6.122(1) Å, c = 23.766(5) Å
β = 95.55°
β = 95.55°
Ratio:
a:b:c = 0.914 : 1 : 3.882
Unit Cell V:
810.38 Ă
Âł (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
2
Crystal Structure
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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) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0010799 | Ktenasite | Mellini M, Merlino S (1978) Ktenasite, another mineral with 2[(Cu,Zn)2(OH)3O]- octahedral sheets Zeitschrift fur Kristallographie 147 129-140 |  | 1978 | Miniera Trentin, Vicenza, Italy | 0 | 293 |
CIF Raw Data - click here to close
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 11.9 Ă | (10b) |
| 2.74 Ă | (10) |
| 5.87 Ă | (9) |
| 4.85 Ă | (9) |
| 3.53 Ă | (9) |
| 1.704 Ă | (9) |
| 2.95 Ă | (6) |
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] | |
| Stage 10b: Anthropogenic minerals | <10 Ka |
| 55 : Anthropogenic mine minerals | |
| 56 : Slag and smelter minerals (see also #51 and #55) |
Type Occurrence of Ktenasite
General Appearance of Type Material:
Tabular crystals, to 1 mm
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
University of Thessalonika, Thessalonika, Greece
Geological Setting of Type Material:
formed by oxidation of chalcopyrite and sphalerite
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
Other Language Names for Ktenasite
Dutch:Ktenasiet
German:Ktenasit
Russian:ĐŃĐ”ĐœĐ°ŃĐžŃ
Simplified Chinese:ćșæ§ééçŸ
Spanish:Ktenasita
Relationship of Ktenasite to other Species
Member of:
Other Members of Ktenasite Group:
| Asagiite | NiCu4(SO4)2(OH)6 · 6H2O | Mon. 2/m : P21/b |
| Fehrite | MgCu4(SO4)2(OH)6 · 6H2O | Mon. 2/m : P21/b |
| Gobelinite | CoCu4(SO4)2(OH)6 · 6H2O | Mon. 2/m : P21/m |
| Unnamed (Zn-analogue of Ktenasite) | Zn(Zn,Cu)4(SO4)2(OH)6 · 6H2O |
Structurally related to group(s):
Common Associates
Associated Minerals Based on Photo Data:
| 59 photos of Ktenasite associated with Gypsum | CaSO4 · 2H2O |
| 39 photos of Ktenasite associated with Serpierite | Ca(Cu,Zn)4(SO4)2(OH)6 · 3H2O |
| 10 photos of Ktenasite associated with Niedermayrite | CdCu4(SO4)2(OH)6 · 4H2O |
| 9 photos of Ktenasite associated with Calcite | CaCO3 |
| 8 photos of Ktenasite associated with Devilline | CaCu4(SO4)2(OH)6 · 3H2O |
| 8 photos of Ktenasite associated with Sphalerite | ZnS |
| 6 photos of Ktenasite associated with Schulenbergite | (Cu,Zn)7(SO4)2(OH)10 · 3H2O |
| 6 photos of Ktenasite associated with Antlerite | Cu3(SO4)(OH)4 |
| 6 photos of Ktenasite associated with Brochantite | Cu4(SO4)(OH)6 |
| 5 photos of Ktenasite associated with Cerussite | PbCO3 |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 7.DD. | Asagiite | NiCu4(SO4)2(OH)6 · 6H2O |
| 7.DD.05 | FelsĆbĂĄnyaite | Al4(SO4)(OH)10 · 4H2O |
| 7.DD.07 | Llantenesite | Cu6Al[SeO4](OH)12Cl · 3H2O |
| 7.DD.10 | Langite | Cu4(SO4)(OH)6 · 2H2O |
| 7.DD.10 | Fehrite | MgCu4(SO4)2(OH)6 · 6H2O |
| 7.DD.10 | Posnjakite | Cu4(SO4)(OH)6 · H2O |
| 7.DD.10 | Wroewolfeite | Cu4(SO4)(OH)6 · 2H2O |
| 7.DD.10 | Gobelinite | CoCu4(SO4)2(OH)6 · 6H2O |
| 7.DD.15 | Kobyashevite | Cu5(SO4)2(OH)6 · 4H2O |
| 7.DD.15 | Spangolite | Cu6Al(SO4)(OH)12Cl · 3H2O |
| 7.DD.15 | Unnamed (Dimorph of Devilline) | CaCu4(SO4)2(OH)6 · 3H2O |
| 7.DD.25 | Christelite | Cu2Zn3(SO4)2(OH)6 · 4H2O |
| 7.DD.30 | Edwardsite | Cu3Cd2(SO4)2(OH)6 · 4H2O |
| 7.DD.30 | Niedermayrite | CdCu4(SO4)2(OH)6 · 4H2O |
| 7.DD.30 | Serpierite | Ca(Cu,Zn)4(SO4)2(OH)6 · 3H2O |
| 7.DD.30 | Campigliaite | Mn2+Cu4(SO4)2(OH)6 · 4H2O |
| 7.DD.30 | Orthoserpierite | Ca(Cu,Zn)4(SO4)2(OH)6 · 3H2O |
| 7.DD.30 | Devilline | CaCu4(SO4)2(OH)6 · 3H2O |
| 7.DD.35 | Shigaite | Mn6Al3(OH)18[Na(H2O)6](SO4)2 · 6H2O |
| 7.DD.35 | Zincaluminite | (Zn1-xAlx)(SO4)x/2(OH)2 · nH2O |
| 7.DD.35 | Zincowoodwardite | Zn1-xAlx(OH)2[SO4]x/2 · nH2O |
| 7.DD.35 | Natroglaucocerinite | Zn6Al3(OH)18[Na(H2O)6](SO4)2 · 6H2O |
| 7.DD.35 | Hydrowoodwardite | (Cu1-xAlx)(OH)2[SO4]x/2 · nH2O |
| 7.DD.35 | Honessite | (Ni1-xFe3+x)(OH)2[SO4]x/2 · nH2O |
| 7.DD.35 | Carrboydite | (Ni1-xAlx)(SO4)x/2(OH)2 · nH2O |
| 7.DD.35 | Glaucocerinite | (Zn1-xAlx)(OH)2(SO4)x/2 · nH2O |
| 7.DD.35 | Wermlandite | Mg7Al2(OH)18[Ca(H2O)6][SO4]2 · 6H2O |
| 7.DD.35 | Nikischerite | Fe2+6Al3(OH)18[Na(H2O)6](SO4)2 · 6H2O |
| 7.DD.35 | Hydrohonessite | (Ni1-xFe3+x)(OH)2(SO4)x/2 · nH2O |
| 7.DD.35 | Woodwardite | Cu1-xAlx(OH)2(SO4)x/2 · nH2O |
| 7.DD.35 | Motukoreaite | Mg6Al3(OH)18[Na(H2O)6][SO4]2 · 6H2O |
| 7.DD.35 | Mountkeithite | [(Mg1-xFe3+x)(OH)2][SO4]x/2 · nH2O |
| 7.DD.40 | Lawsonbauerite | (Mn2+,Mg)9Zn4(SO4)2(OH)22 · 8H2O |
| 7.DD.40 | Torreyite | (Mg,Mn2+)7â»2Mn2+2Zn4(SO4)2(OH)22 · 8H2O |
| 7.DD.40 | Isselite | Cu6(SO4)(OH)10(H2O)4 · H2O |
| 7.DD.45 | Mooreite | Mg9â»2Mn2Zn4(SO4)2(OH)26 · 8H2O |
| 7.DD.45 | Hodgesmithite | (Cu,Zn)6Zn(SO4)2(OH)10 · 3H2O |
| 7.DD.47 | Lahnsteinite | Zn4(SO4)(OH)6 · 3H2O |
| 7.DD.50 | Namuwite | Zn4(SO4)(OH)6 · 4H2O |
| 7.DD.50 | Minohlite | (Cu,Zn)7(SO4)2(OH)10 · 8H2O |
| 7.DD.52 | Lauraniite | Cu6Cd2(SO4)2(OH)12 · 5H2O |
| 7.DD.55 | Bechererite | Zn7Cu(OH)13[(SiO(OH)3(SO4)] |
| 7.DD.60 | Ramsbeckite | (Cu,Zn)15(SO4)4(OH)22 · 6H2O |
| 7.DD.65 | Vonbezingite | Ca6Cu3(SO4)3(OH)12 · 2H2O |
| 7.DD.70 | Redgillite | Cu6(SO4)(OH)10 · H2O |
| 7.DD.75 | Nickelalumite | NiAl4(SO4)(OH)12(H2O)3 |
| 7.DD.75 | Kyrgyzstanite | ZnAl4(SO4)(OH)12 · 3H2O |
| 7.DD.75 | Chalcoalumite | CuAl4(SO4)(OH)12 · 3H2O |
| 7.DD.80 | Schulenbergite | (Cu,Zn)7(SO4)2(OH)10 · 3H2O |
| 7.DD.80 | UM1992-30-SO:CCuHZn | (Zn,Cu)7(SO4,CO3)2(OH)10 · 3H2O |
| 7.DD.80 | ThérÚsemagnanite | NaCo4(SO4)(OH)6Cl · 6H2O |
| 7.DD.80 | Guarinoite | Zn6(SO4)(OH)10 · 5H2O |
| 7.DD.85 | Montetrisaite | Cu6(SO4)(OH)10 · 2H2O |
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 Ktenasite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-2282.html
Please feel free to link to this page.
Please feel free to link to this page.
Search Engines:
External Links:
References for Ktenasite
Reference List:
Raade, G., Elliott, C. J., Fejer, E. E. (1977) New data on ktenasite. Mineralogical Magazine, 41 (317) 65-70 doi:10.1180/minmag.1977.041.317.10
Mellini, M., Merlino, S. (1978) Ktenasite, another mineral with â2[(Cu,Zn)2(OH)3O]âoctahedral sheets. Zeitschrift fĂŒr Kristallographie - Crystalline Materials, 147 (1). 129-140 doi:10.1524/zkri.1978.147.1-2.129
Olsen, Edward, Lewis, Charles F. (1979) Ktenasite from Creede, Colorado. American Mineralogist, 64 (3-4) 446-448
Localities for Ktenasite
symbol to view information about a locality.
The Locality List
- This locality has map coordinates listed.
- This locality has estimated coordinates.
â - 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) |
| Birch et al. (1997) |
| Jon Mommers collection. |
| Bottrill et al. (2008) |
Austria | |
| - (1994, July) +1 other reference |
Belgium | |
| |
| BlaĂ et al. (1995) |
Canada | |
| M. Mauthner personal collection |
| Sabina (2003) |
| Sabina (2003) | |
| SABINA (1976) | |
Czech Republic | |
| RĂSENBERG et al. (1996) |
| Sejkora et al. (2023) |
France | |
| Philippe RĂ©my collection |
| Queneau (n.d.) |
| Gol et al. (2010) |
| Y. Vessely collection | |
| Pascal Chollet collection - SEM-EDS ... | |
| Queneau (n.d.) |
| Gol et al. (2010) | |
| BERBAIN et al. (2010) |
| Sarp et al. (1990) +1 other reference |
Germany | |
| Walenta (1992) |
| Schnorrer-Köhler (1988) +1 other reference |
| BlaĂ et al. (1996) |
| "Lithothek" collection of the ... | |
| Steinkamm et al. (1988) |
| van den Berg et al. (1990) |
| |
| Wittern (2001) |
| Verein der Hegauer Mineralienfreunde (1983) +2 other references |
| Henrich et al. (2019) |
| Wittern (2001) |
| BlaĂ et al. (1995) |
| BlaĂ et al. (1995) |
| Hupfer et al. (12/2022) +1 other reference |
| Lapis 1988 (1) |
| Schnorrer-Köhler (1988) |
| Schnorrer-Köhler (1988) | |
| Schnorrer-Köhler (1988) |
| Schnorrer-Köhler (1988) +1 other reference |
| Schnorrer et al. (1998) |
| Wittern (2001) |
| Der Aufschluss Vol.55 |
| 58 (in German) +1 other reference |
| Gerhard Möhn Collection Analyzed by ... |
| luigi chiappino specimen |
| Gerhard Möhn collection |
| Stolze et al. (09/2020) |
| Wittern (2001) |
Greece | |
| Gröbner et al. (2002) +1 other reference |
| Gröbner et al. (2002) |
| LAPIS 24 (7/8) +1 other reference | |
| Gröbner (2001) | |
| |
| Fritz Schreiber collection |
| Rieck (n.d.) +1 other reference |
| Lapis (May 2003) | |
| Gröbner (2003) | |
| |
| Schnorrer-Köhler et al. (1988) | |
| BlaĂ et al. (1998) +1 other reference |
| Lapis et al. (1999) +1 other reference | |
| ko Jansen. |
| Triantafyllidis et al. (2007) |
Italy | |
| analysed by Dr. Anthony Kampf |
| SEM-EDS + microRaman - Collezione ... |
| Bortolozzi (n.d.) |
| Bortolozzi (n.d.) | |
| Galliano et al. (2022) +1 other reference |
| //doi.org/10.57635/MICRO.2025.23.17 |
| Fernando Caboni et al. (2024) |
| Fernando Caboni et al. (2024) | |
| Brizzi et al. (1994) |
| Ciriotti et al. (2010) |
| Ciriotti et al. (2010) | |
| Gian Claudio Lecca et al. (2024) +1 other reference | |
| Orlandi et al. (2005) |
| Biagioni et al. (2013) |
| Biagioni et al. (2013) | |
| Sergio Pegoraro et al. (2022) +2 other references |
| Lapis (2) +1 other reference |
| Pegoraro S. (2014) | |
| Pegoraro S. et al. (2009) | |
| Lapis +2 other references |
Japan | |
| M. Ohnishi (2002) +1 other reference |
Morocco | |
| Favreau (n.d.) |
Namibia | |
| Desor (04/2020) |
New Zealand | |
| Courtney et al. (1990) |
Norway | |
| Raade (1973) +2 other references |
| Nordrum (2002) |
Poland | |
| Nowinska (2020) |
South Africa | |
| Cairncross et al. (1995) |
Spain | |
| microprobe university of munich |
| Joy Desor ID by Raman spectroscopy: Desor (2018) |
Switzerland | |
| Stalder et al. (1998) +2 other references |
UK | |
| Livingston (1991) |
| Livingston (1991) | |
| Mason et al. (1997) |
USA | |
| Graeme (1993) |
| Graeme (1993) +1 other reference | |
| Anthony et al. (1995) |
| Anthony et al. (1995) |
| Michael Cline Collection | |
| Anthony et al. (1995) |
| Kampf et al. (2016) +1 other reference |
| Eckel et al. (1997) |
| Eckel et al. (1997) |
| Kucera (2021) | |
| Huizing et al. (2017) |
| Dan Weinrich collection |
| Northrop et al. (1996) |
| Patrick Haynes collection +1 other reference | |
| Northrop et al. (1996) | |
| Conroy (2023) |
| Thorne (n.d.) |
| Collected by and in the collection of ... +1 other reference |
| In the collection of Alex Earl |
| Thorne (n.d.) |
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Veneziana gallery, Monte Trisa Mines, Mercanti Valley, Torrebelvicino, Vicenza Province, Veneto, Italy