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Formula: Pb2Mn2+2ZnCr3+4O2(AsO4)4(OH)6.12H2O
Hydrated arsenate, manganese-,
zinc- and chromium- bearing mineral
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Specific gravity: 3.562 calculated for the empirical formula
Streak: Pale green
Colour: Pale green
Environments
Puttapaite is a new mineral, approved in 2020 and to date (July 2025) reported only from the type
locality.
Localities
The type locality, the Beltana Mine, Puttapa, Pastoral Unincorporated Area, South Australia, is a high-grade
hypogene
willemite deposit hosted in carbonate rocks. Mineralisation is associated
with brecciation and extensive
hematite-rich hydrothermal zincian
dolomitisation. Late-stage gangue
minerals include manganese-rich
calcite, dolomite and minor
quartz. On the periphery of the deposit,
smithsonite formed by weathering of
willemite. The mineralising fluids carried large quantities of
arsenate that is likely to have inhibited the oxidation of sulphate to
sulphide and resulted in the stabilisation and precipitation of willemite
rather than sphalerite and
galena. Secondary
arsenate minerals have formed in cavities in the
willemite as a result of
supergene alteration.
The puttapaite occurs in vugs in a matrix composed of willemite
and hematite. Associated minerals are
rhodochrosite, hedyphane
and adamite. Puttapaite occurs as diamond-shaped tablets in
rosette-like aggregates to 50 μm across. Individual tablets are up to 45 μm in length and 5μm in thickness. The
colour is pale green with a pale-green streak and a vitreous lustre
(MM 89.1.155-166).
Puttapaite from the Beltana Mine -
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