Mineral Database

Mineral Database
Mineralogy of Wales

Spangolite

Crystal System: Trigonal
Formula: Cu6AlSO4(OH)12Cl.3H2O
Status of Occurrence: Unconfirmed Occurrence
Distribution: Rare
Chemical Composition: Copper aluminium sulphate chloride hydrate hydroxide
Method(s) of Verification: not verified, but previous records appear to relate to other spangolite-like minerals
Chemical Group:
  • Sulphates
Geological Context:
  • Supergene : in situ natural oxidation & weathering deposits
Introduction: this is a secondary mineral formed in the oxidation zone of copper-bearing mineral deposits
Occurrence in Wales: Rust & Rust (1987) described two spangolite-type minerals occurring with other supergene base-metal minerals within a mine dump near to the boundary between Dylife and Dyfngwm mines in the Central Wales Orefield. The first, as stated by the authors shows a visual similarity to ramsbeckite which, has since been confirmed. The second to mixed Zn(OH)~2 which is likely to have been schulenbergite, a mineral with a very similar crystal structure to spangolite. Therefore, no confirmed occurrences of spangolite in Wales have been made.
Key Localities:
There are no key localities for this specimen.
References:
  • Rust, S. & Rust, D., 1987 Micro-minerals from Dyfngwm Mine.  U.K. Journal of Mines and Minerals, No. 2, 28-32.