close
Log InRegister
Quick Links : The Mindat ManualThe Rock H. Currier Digital LibraryMindat Newsletter [Free Download]
Home PageAbout MindatThe Mindat ManualHistory of MindatCopyright StatusWho We AreContact UsAdvertise on Mindat
Donate to MindatCorporate SponsorshipSponsor a PageSponsored PagesMindat AdvertisersAdvertise on Mindat
Learning CenterWhat is a mineral?The most common minerals on earthInformation for EducatorsMindat ArticlesThe ElementsThe Rock H. Currier Digital LibraryGeologic Time
Minerals by PropertiesMinerals by ChemistryMineral Visual ExplorerAdvanced Locality SearchRandom MineralRandom LocalitySearch by minIDLocalities Near MeSearch ArticlesSearch GlossaryMore Search Options
Search For:
Mineral Name:
Locality Name:
Keyword(s):
 
The Mindat ManualAdd a New PhotoRate PhotosLocality Edit ReportCoordinate Completion ReportAdd Glossary Item
Mining CompaniesStatisticsUsersMineral MuseumsClubs & OrganizationsMineral Shows & EventsThe Mindat DirectoryDevice SettingsThe Mineral QuizTime Machine
Photo SearchPhoto GalleriesSearch by ColorPhoto Colour ExplorerNew Photos TodayNew Photos YesterdayMembers' Photo GalleriesPast Photo of the Day GalleryPhotography

Rruffite

A valid IMA mineral species
This page is currently not sponsored. Click here to sponsor this page.
Hide all sections | Show all sections

About RruffiteHide

Formula:
Ca2Cu(AsO4)2 · 2H2O
Colour:
Pale blue, light blue
Lustre:
Vitreous
Hardness:
3
Specific Gravity:
3.79
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Name:
Named for the Rruff Project - http://rruff.info - which was in turn named after Michael Scott's cat, Rruff.
This page provides mineralogical data about Rruffite.


Unique IdentifiersHide

Mindat ID:
39845
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:39845:1

Similar NamesHide

RauviteA valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered - questionableCa(UO2)2(V10O28) · 16H2O
TruffiteA rock subtype

IMA Classification of RruffiteHide

Approved
Approval year:
2010
First published:
2011

Classification of RruffiteHide

8.CG.10

8 : PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, VANADATES
C : Phosphates without additional anions, with H2O
G : With large and medium-sized cations, RO4:H2O = 1:1
40.2.4.5

40 : HYDRATED NORMAL PHOSPHATES,ARSENATES AND VANADATES
2 : AB2(XO4)2·xH2O

Mineral SymbolsHide

As of 2021 there are now IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols (abbreviations) for each mineral species, useful for tables and diagrams.

SymbolSourceReference for Standard
RufIMA–CNMNCWarr, L.N. (2021). IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols. Mineralogical Magazine, 85(3), 291-320. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43

Physical Properties of RruffiteHide

Vitreous
Transparency:
Transparent
Colour:
Pale blue, light blue
Streak:
White
Hardness:
Tenacity:
Brittle
Cleavage:
Perfect
On {010}.
Density:
3.79(3) g/cm3 (Measured)    3.77(2) g/cm3 (Calculated)

Optical Data of RruffiteHide

Type:
Biaxial (-)
RI values:
nα = 1.725(1) nβ = 1.734(1) nγ = 1.740(1)
2V:
Measured: 80° (2), Calculated: 78°
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.015
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.

Surface Relief:
Moderate
Dispersion:
Weak, r < v

Chemistry of RruffiteHide

Mindat Formula:
Ca2Cu(AsO4)2 · 2H2O
Element Weights:
Element% weight
O34.966 %
As32.748 %
Ca17.518 %
Cu13.888 %
H0.881 %

Calculated from ideal end-member formula.

Crystallography of RruffiteHide

Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Class (H-M):
2/m - Prismatic
Space Group:
P21/b
Setting:
P21/c
Cell Parameters:
a = 5.8618(2) Å, b = 12.7854(5) Å, c = 5.7025(2) Å
β = 109.425(2)°
Ratio:
a:b:c = 0.458 : 1 : 0.446
Unit Cell V:
403.05 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Morphology:
In granular or blocky aggregates and druses.
Twinning:
Common on (100)

Crystal StructureHide

Load
Unit Cell | Unit Cell Packed
2x2x2 | 3x3x3 | 4x4x4
Show
Big Balls | Small Balls | Just Balls | Spacefill
Polyhedra Off | Si Polyhedra | All Polyhedra
Remove metal-metal sticks
Display Options
Black Background | White Background
Perspective On | Perspective Off
2D | Stereo | Red-Blue | Red-Cyan
View
CIF File    Best | x | y | z | a | b | c
Rotation
Stop | Start
Labels
Console Off | On | Grey | Yellow
IDSpeciesReferenceLinkYearLocalityPressure (GPa)Temp (K)
0018388RruffiteYang H, Jenkins R A, Downs R T, Evans S H, Tait K T (2011) Rruffite, Ca2Cu(AsO4)2*2H2O, a new member of the roselite group, from Tierra Amarilla, Chile The Canadian Mineralogist 49 877-8842011the Maria Catalina mine, Tierra Amarilla, Chile0293
CIF Raw Data - click here to close

X-Ray Powder DiffractionHide

Powder Diffraction Data:
d-spacingIntensity
5.087 Å(42)
4.177 Å(59)
3.800 Å(41)
3.377 Å(92)
3.190 Å(56)
2.983 Å(89)
2.827 Å(100)
2.114 Å(49)

Geological EnvironmentHide

Paragenetic Mode(s):

Type Occurrence of RruffiteHide

General Appearance of Type Material:
Secondary mineral.
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
Mineral Museum, University of Arizona, Arizona, USA (18813).
The RRUFF project, Tucson, Arizona, USA (R070431).
Geological Setting of Type Material:
The oxydation zone of a Cu-As orebody.
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:

Synonyms of RruffiteHide

Other Language Names for RruffiteHide

Dutch:Rruffiet
German:Rruffit

Relationship of Rruffite to other SpeciesHide

Other Members of Brandtite Group:
BrandtiteCa2Mn2+(AsO4)2 · 2H2OMon. 2/m : P21/b
DobšináiteCa2Ca(AsO4)2 · 2H2OMon. 2/m : P21/b
KröhnkiteNa2Cu(SO4)2 · 2H2OMon. 2/m : P21/b
RoseliteCa2Co(AsO4)2 · 2H2OMon. 2/m : P21/b
WendwilsoniteCa2Mg(AsO4)2 · 2H2OMon. 2/m : P21/b
ZincroseliteCa2Zn(AsO4)2 · 2H2OMon. 2/m : P21/b

Common AssociatesHide

Associations Based on Photo Data:
10 photos of Rruffite associated with MansfielditeAlAsO4 · 2H2O
8 photos of Rruffite associated with ConichalciteCaCu(AsO4)(OH)
6 photos of Rruffite associated with PharmacoalumiteKAl4(AsO4)3(OH)4 · 6.5H2O
2 photos of Rruffite associated with LavendulanNaCaCu5(AsO4)4Cl · 5H2O

Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat GroupingHide

8.CG.FluckiteCaMn2+(AsO3OH)2 · 2H2OTric. 1 : P1
8.CG.DondoelliteCa2Fe(PO4)2 · 2H2OTric. 1 : P1
8.CG.'Ca-Huréaulite'CaMn5(PO4)4 · 4H2O
8.CG.AlumolukrahniteCa[CuAl](AsO4)2(H2O,OH)2Tric. 1 : P1
8.CG.05ParabrandtiteCa2Mn2+(AsO4)2 · 2H2OTric. 1 : P1
8.CG.05TalmessiteCa2Mg(AsO4)2 · 2H2OTric. 1 : P1
8.CG.05CollinsiteCa2Mg(PO4)2 · 2H2OTric. 1 : P1
8.CG.05MesseliteCa2Fe2+(PO4)2 · 2H2OTric. 1 : P1
8.CG.05GaititeCa2Zn(AsO4)2 · 2H2OTric. 1 : P1
8.CG.05AnorthoroseliteCa2Co(AsO4)2 · 2H2OTric.
8.CG.05CassidyiteCa2Ni(PO4)2 · 2H2OTric.
8.CG.05FairfielditeCa2Mn2+(PO4)2 · 2H2OTric. 1 : P1
8.CG.05HilliteCa2Zn(PO4)2 · 2H2OTric. 1 : P1
8.CG.05'Unnamed (Fe2+-analogue of Parabrandtite)'Ca2Fe2+(AsO4)2 · 2H2O
8.CG.10ZincroseliteCa2Zn(AsO4)2 · 2H2OMon. 2/m : P21/b
8.CG.10RoseliteCa2Co(AsO4)2 · 2H2OMon. 2/m : P21/b
8.CG.10WendwilsoniteCa2Mg(AsO4)2 · 2H2OMon. 2/m : P21/b
8.CG.10BrandtiteCa2Mn2+(AsO4)2 · 2H2OMon. 2/m : P21/b
8.CG.10'Unnamed (Fe2+-analogue of Brandtite)'Ca2Fe2+(AsO4)2 · 2H2O
8.CG.15MawbyitePbFe3+2(AsO4)2(OH)2Mon. 2/m : B2/m
8.CG.15ThometzekitePbCu2+2(AsO4)2 · 2H2OMon. 2/m : B2/m
8.CG.15YancowinnaitePbCuAl(AsO4)2OH · H2O Tric. 1 : P1
8.CG.15SchneebergiteBiCo2(AsO4)2(OH) · H2OMon. 2/m : B2/m
8.CG.15CabalzariteCaMg2(AsO4)2 · 2H2OMon. 2/m : B2/m
8.CG.15NickelschneebergiteBiNi2(AsO4)2(OH) · H2OMon. 2/m : B2/m
8.CG.15LotharmeyeriteCaZn2(AsO4)2 · 2H2OMon. 2/m : B2/m
8.CG.15NickeltsumcoritePb(Ni,Fe3+)2(AsO4)2(H2O,OH)2Mon. 2/m : B2/m
8.CG.15MagnesiofluckiteCaMg(AsO3OH)2(H2O)2Tric. 1 : P1
8.CG.15KrettnichitePbMn3+2(VO4)2(OH)2Mon. 2/m : B2/m
8.CG.15CobalttsumcoritePbCo2(AsO4)2 · 2H2OMon. 2/m : B2/m
8.CG.15ManganlotharmeyeriteCaMn3+2(AsO4)2(OH)2Mon. 2/m : B2/m
8.CG.15TsumcoritePbZn2(AsO4)2 · 2H2OMon. 2/m : B2/m
8.CG.15FerrilotharmeyeriteCaZnFe3+(AsO4)2(OH) · H2OMon. 2/m : B2/m
8.CG.15CobaltlotharmeyeriteCaCo2(AsO4)2 · 2H2OMon. 2/m : B2/m
8.CG.15MounanaitePbFe3+2(VO4)2(OH)2Mon. 2/m : B2/m
8.CG.15NickellotharmeyeriteCaNi2(AsO4)2 · 2H2OMon. 2/m : B2/m
8.CG.20LukrahniteCaCuFe3+(AsO4)2(OH,H2O)2Tric. 1 : P1
8.CG.20HelmutwinkleritePbZn2(AsO4)2 · 2H2OTric. 1 : P1
8.CG.20PhosphogartrellitePbCuFe3+(PO4)2(OH,H2O)2Tric. 1 : P1
8.CG.20GartrellitePbCuFe3+(AsO4)2(OH) · H2OTric. 1 : P1
8.CG.20ZincgartrellitePbZn2(AsO4)2(H2O,OH)2Tric. 1 : P1
8.CG.20RappolditePbCo2(AsO4)2 · 2H2OTric. 1 : P1
8.CG.25Pottsite(Pb3xBi4-2x)(VO4)4 · H2O (0.8 < x < 1.0)Tet. 4/m : I41/a
8.CG.25Armellinoite-(Ce)Ca4Ce4+(AsO4)4 · H2OTet. 4/m : I41/a
8.CG.35NickeltalmessiteCa2Ni(AsO4)2 · 2H2OTric. 1 : P1
8.CG.55IrhtemiteCa4Mg(AsO4)2(HAsO4)2 · 4H2OMon.

Fluorescence of RruffiteHide

Other InformationHide

Notes:
Isoluble in water, acetone and HCl.
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 RruffiteHide

References for RruffiteHide

Localities for RruffiteHide

Showing 5 localities.

This map shows a selection of localities that have latitude and longitude coordinates recorded. Click on the Image symbol to view information about a locality. The Image symbol next to localities in the list can be used to jump to that position on the map.
Hide all sections | Show all sections

Locality ListHide

Image - This locality has map coordinates listed. Image - This locality has estimated coordinates. ⓘ - Click for references and further information on this occurrence. ? - Indicates mineral may be doubtful at this locality. Image - Good crystals or important locality for species. Image - World class for species or very significant. (TL) - Type Locality for a valid mineral species. (FRL) - First Recorded Locality for everything else (eg varieties). Struck out - Mineral was erroneously reported from this locality. Faded * - Never found at this locality but inferred to have existed at some point in the past (e.g. from pseudomorphs).

All localities listed without proper references should be considered as questionable.
Chile
 
  • Atacama
    • Copiapó Province
      • Tierra Amarilla
        • Pampa Larga mining district
Samples analysed by Dr. Anthony Kampf +2 other references
Yang et al. (2011)
Spain
 
  • Valencian Community
    • Castellón
Mineralogía de la concesión San Rafael
        • San Rafael claim
issuu.com (n.d.) +1 other reference
issuu.com (n.d.) +1 other reference
 
Image Image
and/or  
Mindat.org® is an outreach project of the Hudson Institute of Mineralogy, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. Mindat® and mindat.org® are registered trademarks of the Hudson Institute of Mineralogy.
Copyright © mindat.org and the Hudson Institute of Mineralogy 1993-2026, except where stated. Most political location boundaries are © OpenStreetMap contributors. Mindat.org relies on the contributions of thousands of members and supporters. Founded in 2000 by Jolyon Ralph and Ida Chau.
To cite: Ralph, J., Von Bargen, D., Martynov, P., Zhang, J., Que, X., Prabhu, A., Morrison, S. M., Li, W., Chen, W., & Ma, X. (2025). Mindat.org: The open access mineralogy database to accelerate data-intensive geoscience research. American Mineralogist, 110(6), 833–844. doi:10.2138/am-2024-9486.
Privacy Policy - Terms & Conditions - Contact Us / DMCA issues - Report a bug/vulnerability Current server date and time: May 22, 2026 10:40:50 Page updated: April 26, 2026 07:08:50
Go to top of page