Agardite-(Y)
A valid IMA mineral species
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About Agardite-(Y)
Jules Agard
Formula:
YCu6(AsO4)3(OH)6 · 3H2O
Colour:
bluish green to yellow green
Lustre:
Sub-Vitreous, Resinous, Waxy
Hardness:
3 - 4
Specific Gravity:
3.61 - 3.72
Crystal System:
Hexagonal
Member of:
Name:
Named by Jacques E. Dietrich, Marcel Orliac, and François Permingeat in 1969 for Jules Agard (November 21, 1916 Grenoble, France - February, 2003), geologist with the Bureau de Recherches Géologiques et Minières, Orléans, France.
This page provides mineralogical data about Agardite-(Y).
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
44
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:44:0
Similar Names
| Agardite | A synonym | |
| Agardite-(Ca) | A synonym of Zálesíite | |
| Agardite-(Ce) | A valid IMA mineral species | CeCu6(AsO4)3(OH)6 · 3H2O |
| Agardite-(Dy) | (Dy,La)Cu6(AsO4)3(OH)6 · 3H2O | |
| Agardite-(La) | A valid IMA mineral species | LaCu6(AsO4)3(OH)6 · 3H2O |
| Agardite-(Nd) | A valid IMA mineral species | NdCu6(AsO4)3(OH)6 · 3H2O |
IMA Classification of Agardite-(Y)
Classification of Agardite-(Y)
8.DL.15
8 : PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, VANADATES
D : Phosphates, etc. with additional anions, with H2O
L : With large and medium-sized cations, (OH, etc.):RO4 = 2:1
8 : PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, VANADATES
D : Phosphates, etc. with additional anions, with H2O
L : With large and medium-sized cations, (OH, etc.):RO4 = 2:1
42.5.1.2
42 : HYDRATED PHOSPHATES, ETC.CONTAINING HYDROXYL OR HALOGEN
5 : (AB)7(XO4)3Zq·xH2O
42 : HYDRATED PHOSPHATES, ETC.CONTAINING HYDROXYL OR HALOGEN
5 : (AB)7(XO4)3Zq·xH2O
20.4.13
20 : Arsenates (also arsenates with phosphate, but without other anions)
4 : Arsenates of Group III metals (Al, rare earths)
20 : Arsenates (also arsenates with phosphate, but without other anions)
4 : Arsenates of Group III metals (Al, rare earths)
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Agr-Y | 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 Agardite-(Y)
Sub-Vitreous, Resinous, Waxy
Transparency:
Transparent, Translucent
Colour:
Bluish green to yellow green
Streak:
Greenish white
Hardness:
3 - 4 on Mohs scale
Tenacity:
Brittle
Cleavage:
None Observed
Density:
3.61 - 3.72 g/cm3 (Measured) 3.66 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Agardite-(Y)
Type:
Uniaxial (+)
RI values:
nω = 1.701 - 1.723 nε = 1.770 - 1.815
Birefringence:
0.075
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.069 - 0.092
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 uniaxial interference figure - the conoscopic
(convergent-light, Bertrand-lens-in) view, for a grain cut with the optic axis
centred and vertical. The coloured rings are isochromatics, computed with the
same physics as the Michel-Lévy bar above; the dark cross is the isogyre.
For a genuinely uniaxial mineral viewed this way, that cross stays perfectly stationary if you rotate the stage - unlike a biaxial mineral, where it splits apart on rotation. That invariance is itself the standard diagnostic test for telling uniaxial and biaxial minerals apart at the microscope.
For a genuinely uniaxial mineral viewed this way, that cross stays perfectly stationary if you rotate the stage - unlike a biaxial mineral, where it splits apart on rotation. That invariance is itself the standard diagnostic test for telling uniaxial and biaxial minerals apart at the microscope.
Optical Extinction:
Parallel
Pleochroism:
Non-pleochroic
Chemistry of Agardite-(Y)
Mindat Formula:
YCu6(AsO4)3(OH)6 · 3H2O
Element Weights:
Chemical Analysis
Oxide wt%:
| 1 | |
|---|---|
| Oxygen | 31.18 % |
| Silicon | 1.15 % |
| Calcium | 1.45 % |
| Copper | 38.87 % |
| Arsenic | 22.84 % |
| Ytrium | 4.51 % |
| Total: | 100 % |
Sample references:
| ID | Locality | Reference | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Weiße Grube, Imsbach, Winnweiler, Donnersbergkreis, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany |
Crystallography of Agardite-(Y)
Crystal System:
Hexagonal
Class (H-M):
6/m - Dipyramidal
Space Group:
P63/m
Setting:
P63/m
Cell Parameters:
a = 13.583 Å, c = 5.895 Å
Ratio:
a:c = 1 : 0.434
Unit Cell V:
941.90 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
2
Morphology:
Crystals are acicular hexagonal prisms, elongated along [0001], a few mm long, may be stepped or hollow tubes; in radiating fibrous aggregates.
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) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0019941 | Agardite-(Y) | Morrison S M, Domanik K J, Origlieri M J, Downs R T (2013) Agardite-(Y), Cu2+6Y(AsO4)3(OH)6*3H2O Acta Crystallographica E69 i61-i62 |  | 2013 | Jote West mine, Pampa Larga Mining District, Copiapo, Chile | 0 | 293 |
CIF Raw Data - click here to close
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 11.73 Å | (100) |
| 4.43 Å | (70) |
| 3.54 Å | (70) |
| 2.938 Å | (80) |
| 2.692 Å | (60) |
| 2.558 Å | (60) |
| 2.451 Å | (80) |
Comments:
All Agardites seem to be indistinguishable by XRD
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| Stage 7: Great Oxidation Event | <2.4 |
| 47a : [Near-surface hydration of prior minerals] | |
| 47d : [Arsenates, antimonates, selenates, bismuthinates] |
Geological Setting:
In the oxidation zone of some copper deposits.
Type Occurrence of Agardite-(Y)
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
Serv. Geol. Maroc, Rabat, Morocco;
National School of Mines, Paris, France;
The Natural History Museum, London, England, 1978,24.
National School of Mines, Paris, France;
The Natural History Museum, London, England, 1978,24.
Geological Setting of Type Material:
Oxidation zone of copper veins or deposits
Synonyms of Agardite-(Y)
Agardite (in part)
Other Language Names for Agardite-(Y)
Dutch:Agardiet-(Y)
French:Agardite-(Y)
German:Agardit-(Y)
Japanese:イットリウムアガアド石
Norwegian:Agarditt-(Y)
Russian:Агардит-(Y)
Simplified Chinese:砷钇铜石
Traditional Chinese:砷釔銅石
Relationship of Agardite-(Y) to other Species
Member of:
Other Members of Mixite Group:
| Agardite-(Ce) | CeCu6(AsO4)3(OH)6 · 3H2O | Hex. 6/m : P63/m |
| Agardite-(La) | LaCu6(AsO4)3(OH)6 · 3H2O | Hex. 6/m : P63/m |
| Agardite-(Nd) | NdCu6(AsO4)3(OH)6 · 3H2O | Hex. 6/m : P63/m |
| Calciopetersite | CaCu6(PO4)2(PO3OH)(OH)6 · 3H2O | Hex. 6/m : P63/m |
| Goudeyite | AlCu6(AsO4)3(OH)6 · 3H2O | Hex. |
| Mixite | BiCu6(AsO4)3(OH)6 · 3H2O | Hex. 6/m : P63/m |
| Petersite-(Ce) | CeCu6(PO4)3(OH)6 · 3H2O | Hex. 6/m : P63/m |
| Petersite-(La) | LaCu6(PO4)3(OH)6 · 3H2O | Hex. 6/m : P63/m |
| Petersite-(Y) | YCu6(PO4)3(OH)6 · 3H2O | Hex. |
| Plumboagardite | PbCu6(AsO4)2(AsO3OH)(OH)6 · 3H2O | Hex. 6/m : P63/m |
| Zálesíite | CaCu6(AsO4)2(AsO3OH)(OH)6 · 3H2O | Hex. 6/m : P63/m |
Common Associates
Associations Based on Photo Data:
| 32 photos of Agardite-(Y) associated with Malachite | Cu2(CO3)(OH)2 |
| 28 photos of Agardite-(Y) associated with Azurite | Cu3(CO3)2(OH)2 |
| 18 photos of Agardite-(Y) associated with Conichalcite | CaCu(AsO4)(OH) |
| 12 photos of Agardite-(Y) associated with Quartz | SiO2 |
| 12 photos of Agardite-(Y) associated with Olivenite | Cu2(AsO4)(OH) |
| 10 photos of Agardite-(Y) associated with Cornwallite | Cu5(AsO4)2(OH)4 |
| 10 photos of Agardite-(Y) associated with Chrysocolla | Cu2-xAlx(H2-xSi2O5)(OH)4 · nH2O, x < 1 |
| 7 photos of Agardite-(Y) associated with Bayldonite | PbCu3(AsO4)2(OH)2 |
| 6 photos of Agardite-(Y) associated with Heterogenite | Co3+O(OH) |
| 5 photos of Agardite-(Y) associated with Wulfenite | Pb(MoO4) |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 8.DL.05 | Foggite | CaAl(PO4)(OH)2 · H2O |
| 8.DL.10 | Fluorowardite | NaAl3(PO4)2F2(OH)2(H2O)2 |
| 8.DL.10 | Wardite | NaAl3(PO4)2(OH)4 · 2H2O |
| 8.DL.10 | Millisite | (Na,K)CaAl6(PO4)4(OH)9 · 3H2O |
| 8.DL.10 | Cyrilovite | NaFe3+3(PO4)2(OH)4 · 2H2O |
| 8.DL.15 | Petersite-(Ce) | CeCu6(PO4)3(OH)6 · 3H2O |
| 8.DL.15 | Agardite-(Nd) | NdCu6(AsO4)3(OH)6 · 3H2O |
| 8.DL.15 | Agardite-(Ce) | CeCu6(AsO4)3(OH)6 · 3H2O |
| 8.DL.15 | 'Agardite-(Dy)' | (Dy,La)Cu6(AsO4)3(OH)6 · 3H2O |
| 8.DL.15 | Agardite-(La) | LaCu6(AsO4)3(OH)6 · 3H2O |
| 8.DL.15 | Petersite-(Y) | YCu6(PO4)3(OH)6 · 3H2O |
| 8.DL.15 | Zálesíite | CaCu6(AsO4)2(AsO3OH)(OH)6 · 3H2O |
| 8.DL.15 | Mixite | BiCu6(AsO4)3(OH)6 · 3H2O |
| 8.DL.15 | Petersite-(La) | LaCu6(PO4)3(OH)6 · 3H2O |
| 8.DL.15 | Goudeyite | AlCu6(AsO4)3(OH)6 · 3H2O |
| 8.DL.15 | Calciopetersite | CaCu6(PO4)2(PO3OH)(OH)6 · 3H2O |
| 8.DL.15 | Plumboagardite | PbCu6(AsO4)2(AsO3OH)(OH)6 · 3H2O |
| 8.DL.20 | Dugganite | Pb3Zn3(AsO4)2(TeO6) |
| 8.DL.20 | Wallkilldellite | Ca2Mn2+3(AsO4)2(OH)4 · 9H2O |
| 8.DL.20 | Wallkilldellite-(Fe) | (Ca,Cu)4Fe2+6(AsO4,SiO4)4(OH,O)8 · 18H2O |
| 8.DL.20 | Cheremnykhite | Pb3Zn3(VO4)2(TeO6) |
| 8.DL.20 | Kuksite | Pb3Zn3(PO4)2(TeO6) |
| 8.DL.25 | Angastonite | CaMgAl2(PO4)2(OH)4 · 7H2O |
| 8.DL.30 | Långbanshyttanite | Pb2Mn2Mg(AsO4)2(OH)4 · 6H2O |
Fluorescence of Agardite-(Y)
Not fluorescent
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 Agardite-(Y)
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-44.html
Please feel free to link to this page.
Please feel free to link to this page.
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References for Agardite-(Y)
Reference List:
Dietrich, Jacques E., Orliac, Marcel, Permingeat, François (1969) L'agardite, une nouvelle espèce minérale et le problème du chlorotile. Bulletin de Minéralogie, 92 (5) 420-434 doi:10.3406/bulmi.1969.6392
Frost, Ray L., Weier, Matt, Martens, Wayde N. (2006) Raman microscopy of synthetic goudeyite (YCu6(AsO4)2(OH)6·3H2O) Spectrochimica Acta Part A: Molecular and Biomolecular Spectroscopy, 63 (3) 685-689 doi:10.1016/j.saa.2005.06.019[NOTE: the paper deals with synthetic agardite-(Y); the authors completely misunderstood the nomenclature in this group]
Morrison, Shaunna M., Domanik, Kenneth J., Origlieri, Marcus J., Downs, Robert T. (2013) Agardite-(Y), Cu2+6Y(AsO4)3(OH)6·3H2O. Acta Crystallographica Section E Structure Reports Online, 69 (9) doi:10.1107/s1600536813023477
Golubev, Aleksandr M., Brücher, Eva, Schulz, Armin, Kremer, Reinhard K., Glaum, Robert (2020) La- and Lu-agardite – preparation, crystal structure, vibrational and magnetic properties. Zeitschrift für Naturforschung B, 75 (1-2). 191-199 doi:10.1515/znb-2019-0189 [includes data on synthetic agardite-(Y)]
Localities for Agardite-(Y)
Showing 118 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 | |
| Leverett et al. (2005) |
| Birch et al. (1997) |
| Birch et al. (1997) |
| Elliott et al. (2015) | |
| Kolitsch et al. (1999) |
| Peter Elliott pers. comm. |
| A.G. Christy (2004) +1 other reference |
| Downes et al. (2006) |
Bulgaria | |
| Kunov +2 other references |
Chile | |
| Samples analysed by Dr. Jochen Schlüter (Hamburg University) |
| Luigi Matei |
Czech Republic | |
| Plášil et al. (2006) +1 other reference |
| Hloušek et al. (2002) |
| Plášil et al. (2014) |
| Krátký et al. (2026) |
DR Congo | |
| Deliens (1989) +2 other references |
Europe | |
| Sejkora J. et al. (2011) |
France | |
| Coueille (1988) |
| Vincent Bourgoin - Association Jean ... |
| De Ascenção Guedes et al. (2021) |
| Boisson J.-M. et al. (2023) +1 other reference |
| Favreau et al. (2010) |
| Lheur C. et al. (2002) |
| www.mine-capgaronne.fr (2003) +1 other reference |
| Trouvaille et collection personnelle ... | |
Germany | |
| Steen (2005) |
| Walenta (1992) |
| Steen (2005) |
| Jin Xing Collection |
| |
| Lapis 1985 (11) |
| Mineralogical Society of America - ... +1 other reference |
| Walenta (1992) |
| ex-Petitjean collection |
| Wittern (2001) |
| Aufschluss 37 |
| Heckmann et al. (1990) |
| Lapis 1988 (1) |
| Johannes Markus Henrich +2 other references |
| Joan Rosell (2019) |
| Mineralogical Society of America - ... |
| Wittern (2001) |
Greece | |
| Giester et al. (2014) |
| |
Italy | |
| Palenzona et al. (1994) +1 other reference |
| Pezzotta et al. (1999) +1 other reference |
| Nazareno La Manna collection +1 other reference |
| Piccoli et al. (2007) +1 other reference |
| Piccoli et al. (2007) +1 other reference | |
| Guastoni et al. (2006) |
| Piccoli et al. (2007) |
| Sergio Varvello collection |
| Conti-Vecchi et al. (1991) +1 other reference |
| Stara et al. (1996) | |
| |
| rruff.geo.arizona.edu (2006) |
| Stara et al. (1996) | |
| I. Campostrini - Unimi (SEM-EDS) |
| Stara et al. (1996) | |
| Stara et al. (1993) |
| Daniel Lorenz |
| Mattioli et al. (2009) |
| Maiello et al. (2009) +1 other reference |
| Vecchi et al. (2013) |
| Bortolozzi et al. (2013) |
| EDX + XRD analysis by Gunter Blass |
| Gasparetto et al. (2014) | |
| Marco Bonifazi collection |
Japan | |
| ex-Okamoto collection (2015) |
| Anthony et al. (2000) |
| Hiroshi Kunieda et al. (2011) |
| The Mineral Species of Japan (5th ed) |
| The Mineral Species of Japan (5th ed) | |
Mexico | |
| Collected by and in the collection of ... |
Mongolia | |
| Pavel M. Kartashov (n.d.) +1 other reference |
Morocco | |
| Favreau (n.d.) |
| American Mineralogist 55:1448 +1 other reference |
| Dietrich et al. (1969) +1 other reference | |
| Sergio Varvello collection |
| Favreau (n.d.) |
Norway | |
| Husdal (2021) |
Russia | |
| Alekseev (2025) |
| Kasatkin et al. (2014) |
Spain | |
| Dr. Joan Viñals |
| Anthony et al. (2000) |
| www.foro-minerales.com (n.d.) |
| Joan Rosell - rosellminerals.com |
| Abella i Creus (2018) |
| Sainz de Baranda Graf et al. (2026) |
| Tánago et al. (2012) |
| Collection of the Geominero Museum of ... +1 other reference |
Switzerland | |
| Stalder et al. (1998) |
| Stalder et al. (1998) |
| |
| Meisser (2012) |
UK | |
| Anthony et al. (2000) |
| |
| S.Rust Collection |
USA | |
| Pemberton (1983) +1 other reference |
| R. Housley (2008) |
| Wise (1993) |
| Hayes et al. (2008) |
| Castor et al. (2004) |
| Weissman collection - visual ID based ... | |
| Castor et al. (2004) |
| Castor et al. (2004) +1 other reference |
| Holmwood (2023) |
| Jensen (1993) | |
| R&M 77:5 p298-305 +1 other reference |
| Twenty-fourth Annual New Mexico Mineral ... | |
| R. D. Green photo +1 other reference | |
| R&M 77:5 p298-305 | |
| Northrop et al. (1996) |
| Mineralogical Society of America - ... |
| Collected by and analyzed by Chris ... |
| Micro Probe Volume VI Number 8 +1 other reference |
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Clara Mine, Oberwolfach, Ortenaukreis, Freiburg Region, Baden-Württemberg, Germany